Novak Djokovic has revealed that he continues to feel “trauma” during his visits to Melbourne, nearly three years after his deportation due to Australia’s COVID-19 regulations.
Novak Djokovic, unvaccinated against the virus, faced visa cancellation by the Australian government, citing “health and good order” as the rationale behind the decision.
After spending five days at an immigration hotel, he faced the disappointment of an unsuccessful appeal against the decision that ultimately led to his departure from the country, resulting in his absence from the 2022 Australian Open.
In the subsequent year, Djokovic returned to Melbourne as Covid restrictions were lifted, ultimately securing the Grand Slam title for an unprecedented 10th occasion.
A 37-year-old Serbian athlete has returned to Australia as he gears up for the upcoming 2025 tournament, set to commence this Sunday.
“During my recent arrivals in Australia, navigating passport control and immigration has been a challenging experience, reminiscent of a traumatic incident from three years ago,” Djokovic shared with Melbourne’s Herald Sun.
As I navigate through passport control, I can’t help but notice lingering traces of tension and a heightened awareness of any potential approach from the immigration zone.
“As I stand before the official examining my passport, I can’t help but wonder: will they choose to detain me once more, or will I be granted passage?” I must confess that I am experiencing that sensation.
He stated, “I don’t hold a grudge.” The following year, I returned and emerged victorious.
“The presence of my parents and entire team made this victory particularly poignant, marking it as one of the most emotional wins I’ve experienced, especially in light of the challenges I faced the previous year.”
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan preferred concentrating on the current year’s tournament.
“The authority to issue visas lies with the federal government, and the federal government made those determinations at that time,” stated Allan, a member of the government crisis cabinet that directed Australia’s response to Covid in 2022. However, he was not involved in the Djokovic situation.
The Covid pandemic presented significant challenges for everyone involved. The pandemic’s reach was indiscriminate, affecting individuals regardless of their background or origin. COVID-19 did not differentiate between people, nor did it show mercy in the severity of illness it caused, impacting the health of many within our community.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has criticised the previous administration’s management of the situation, explicitly highlighting the choice to prevent Novak Djokovic from meeting with an Orthodox priest in the lead-up to Christmas, observed on January 7 by most Orthodox Christians.
At that time, I expressed my thoughts on the matter. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his astonishment regarding the circumstances surrounding Novak Djokovic during the lead-up to Christmas. He noted that the federal government had denied Djokovic the opportunity to meet with his Orthodox minister, priest, during that critical period.
“Justifying that decision at the time was a significant challenge.”
Novak Djokovic aims to secure a historic 25th Grand Slam title as he prepares to compete in the Australian Open at Melbourne Park next week.
