Djokovic Still Hit By Trauma At Airport

Deportation from Melbourne in 2022 has affected him, but he doesn't hold grudges

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Novak Djokovic has admitted to still getting stressed when he gets off a plane at Melbourne airport after he was deported from Australia three years ago.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion had his visa cancelled ahead of the 2022 Australian Open following days of drama over Australia's Covid-19 entry rules and his unvaccinated status.

"I have to be quite frank," Djokovic said in an interview with Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper.

"The last couple of times I landed in Australia, to go through passport control and immigration - I had a bit of trauma from three years ago. And some traces still stay there when I'm passing passport control, just checking out if someone from immigration zone is approaching.

"The person checking my passport - are they going to take me, detain me again or let me go? I must admit I have that feeling."

The Serb returned to Melbourne Park in 2023 when the worst of the pandemic was over and won a 10th Australian Open title.

"I don't hold any resentment, to be honest. I don't hold a grudge. I came right away the year after... and I won," the 37-year-old added.