Novak Djokovic and the aftermath of Australia. © ANSA / DARREN ENGLAND

Djokovic in Australia: “I still have a trauma”

Tennis star Novak Djokovic is still affected by his expulsion from Australia three years ago.

06 January 2025

From: dpa/det

The Serb told the newspaper that he had experienced a kind of trauma during his previous arrivals and the controls. Herald Sun from Melbourne. Due to a lack of vaccination against the coronavirus, Djokovic had to leave Australia in 2022 after a legal dispute and was therefore unable to take part in the Australian Open.

"Some traces are still there when I go through passport control and look to see if anyone is coming out of the immigration zone," Djokovic reported. "Are they going to take me away, detain me or let me go? I have to admit that I have that feeling."

Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slam titles. © ANSA / DARREN ENGLAND

The 37-year-old assured that he bears no grudges over what happened at the time. The three-year entry ban that was threatened after his deportation did not come to pass, and the following year Djokovic was allowed to compete again in the first Grand Slam tournament of the season and promptly won his tenth title at Melbourne Park.

With another triumph this year, the Olympic champion and long-time world number one would celebrate his 25th Grand Slam triumph. This would make him the sole record holder for men and women for the most victories at the four most important tennis tournaments. "I hope that I can win another title there," said Djokovic before the tournament started on Sunday. In Brisbane, however, he was knocked out in the quarterfinals.