Novak Djokovic says he still suffers “trauma” when he visits Melbourne after being deported from Australia in 2022 due to the country's Covid-19 protocol.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion has not been vaccinated against the virus and the Australian government revoked his visa three years ago, causing him to miss 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 begins on January 12.
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Highlights from Djokovic's shock loss to Reilly Opelka at the Brisbane International
The Serbian, who lost to eventual champion Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals 12 months ago, told Melbourne Herald Sun: “I have to be quite honest.
“The last few times I landed in Australia, to go through passport control and immigration – I had a bit of a trauma from three years ago.
“And some marks are still there when I'm going through passport control, just checking to see if anyone is approaching from the immigration zone.”
In 2022, Djokovic spent five days in an immigration center after unsuccessfully appealing the deportation decision.
Djokovic: Some traces still remain when I go through passport control, I just check if someone is approaching from the immigration zone
Djokovic: I'm not angry
He added: “The person checking my passport – are they going to take me away, lock me up again or let me go? I have to admit that I have that feeling.
“I don't mind. I came right after the year and won.
“My parents and the whole team were there and it was actually one of the most emotional wins I've ever had, considering everything I went through the year before.”
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Highlights of Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic's win in their match in Brisbane.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said: “Covid has been difficult for all of us. It doesn't matter who you are or what you do, it was a tough time.
“The pandemic is behind us and what I am focused on is supporting the great Australian Open in 2025.
“We see thousands of visitors from around the world and across the country coming 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 last week's Brisbane International 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, also entered the doubles in Brisbane alongside Nick Kyrgios.
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