The 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic has said that, even after his contentious expulsion from Australia in 2022, he still feels anxious when he lands at Melbourne Airport. Amid a flurry of commotion and media attention, the Serbian tennis player’s visa was revoked prior to the 2022 Australian Open because of the nation’s stringent COVID-19 entrance regulations and his lack of vaccination.
The Psychological Effects of Deportation in 2022
Djokovic said that his prior incident still haunts him whenever he goes through immigration check at Melbourne Airport in an interview with the Herald Sun of Melbourne. He admitted that the memories of his expulsion still gives him worry, saying, “I have to be quite frank.”
When I arrive in Australia, I still experience some trauma. I look to see whether an immigration official is coming when I walk through passport control,” Djokovic said. “The individual examining my passport: will they release me, hold me, or take me back? I acknowledge that I feel that way.
A victorious return to Melbourne
In 2023, when the worst of the epidemic had passed, Djokovic returned to Melbourne Park and won his 10th Australian Open championship in spite of the residual stress. As he reflected on his win, he made it clear that he has no grudges about his experience in 2022. “I don’t harbor resentment. He recalled how his parents and team were present for one of his most heartfelt victories, saying, “I came right back the year after and I won.”
Ahead: Djokovic Aims for His 25th Grand Slam Victory
Djokovic is 37 years old and still defies expectations. He is hoping to win a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam championship in the 2025 Australian Open. As the seventh-ranked player in the world, Djokovic is still a formidable force in tennis and is prepared to take on new challenges.
Even though Novak Djokovic has had a lot of difficulties lately, his fortitude and tenacity have enabled him to bounce back stronger. Djokovic is aiming for a historic 25th Grand Slam victory, and his story continues to motivate sportsmen and tennis fans across the world.
