Novak Djokovic claims he still suffers from "trauma" when arriving in Melbourne for the Australian Open, three years after he was deported because of Australia's Covid-19 regulations. (More Tennis News)
Djokovic was not vaccinated against the virus and the Australian government cancelled his visa as a result, meaning he missed the 2022 even﷽t.
The Serb returned in 2023 to lift the title for a record-extending 10th time, but memories of the saga 12 months earlier st𝔍ill linger.
Ahead of the 2025 tournament, which begins on Sunday, he told the Herald Sun: "The last couple of times I have landed in Australia to go through passport conꦕtrol a♌nd immigration, I have felt a bit of trauma from three years ago.
"Some traces are 𓂃still there. I am just checking out if someone from immigration is approaching.
"Are they goi🅷ng to take me, detain me again, or let me go? I must a꧒dmit I have that feeling.
"I don't hold a grudge. I came right away the year after and I won. My parents and whole team were there, and it was actual🌃lyಌ one of the most emotional wins I've ever had, considering all that I'd been through the year before."
Djokovic, who was knocked out by eventual winner Jannik Sinner in the semi-🧔final last year, is aiming to win a record-breaking 25th grand slam when he competes at Melbour🐭ne Park next week.
If he does win, it would see h෴im overtake Australian Margaret Court on the all-time list, having failed to win a major title in 2024.
He is already two slams clear of Rafael Nadal on the men's list and this year will be supported by three-t꧃ime major winner Andy Murray, who he has named as coach for this tournament.
The 37-year-old was stuಞnned at the Brisbane International last week by world number 293 Reilly Opelka, missing the chance to clinch a 100th ATP Tour title.
