Novak Djokovic says he is still suffering “trauma” when he visits Melbourne after being ruled out of Australia in 2022 due to the country's Covid-19 protocols.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion is not vaccinated against the virus and his visa was canceled by the Australian government three years ago, meaning he missed the Australian Open.
Djokovic returned a year later to win the tournament for the 10th time and will be looking to add to that tally at Albert Park when the 2025 edition gets underway on January 12.
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Highlights from Djokovic's shock loss to Reilly Opelka at the Brisbane International
The Serb, who lost to eventual champion Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals 12 months ago, told Melbourne Herald Sun: “I have to be very honest.
“The last couple of times I landed in Australia, to go through passport control and immigration – I had a bit of a trauma three years ago.
“And some traces still stay there when I'm going through passport control, just checking if someone from the immigration area is approaching.”
Djokovic spent five days in an immigration center in 2022 as he unsuccessfully appealed the decision to expel him.
Djokovic: 'Some traces still remain when I pass passport control, just checking if someone from the immigration area is approaching'
Djokovic: I don't care
He said: “The person checking my passport – are they going to take me, detain me or let me go? I have to admit I have that feeling.
“I'm not sorry. I came immediately the year after and I won.
“My parents and the whole team were there and it was actually one of the most emotional wins I've ever had, with everything I'd been through the previous year.
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Highlights of Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic's win in their international match in Brisbane.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said: “Covid was difficult for all of us. It didn't matter who you were or what you did, it was a tough time.
“The pandemic is behind us and what I'm focused on is supporting the Australian Open for 2025.
“We are seeing thousands of visitors coming from all over the world and across the country to Melbourne for the Australian Open.”
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Novak Djokovic explains why he chose former rival Andy Murray as his new coach.
Djokovic suffered a shock loss to Reilly Opelka at the Brisbane International last week before Jiri Lehecka won the tournament when Opelka retired in the first set of the final.
The 37-year-old, who will be coached by former rival Sir Andy Murray for the first time at a Grand Slam, entered the doubles in Brisbane with Nick Kyrgios.
Watch the ATP and WTA Tours, plus the US Open in New York, live on Sky Sports in 2025 or stream with NIS.
