Djokovic: Honestly, I Feel Nervous at Melbourne Airport

Novak Djokovic admitted that he still feels nervous when arriving at Melbourne Airport following his deportation from Australia three years ago.

The Serbian tennis star, who has won 24 Grand Slam titles, had his visa canceled before the 2022 Australian Open after a dramatic episode surrounding COVID-19 entry requirements and his unvaccinated status.

Speaking to Melbourne’s Herald Sun, Djokovic said: “I have to be completely honest. The last two times I came to Australia, going through passport and immigration control, I felt a slight shock. There’s still some lingering effects when I pass through the passport control area, just wondering if someone from immigration might approach me. The person checking my passport—will they let me in or detain me again? I have to admit I still have that feeling.”

Djokovic returned to Melbourne Park in 2023, after the pandemic’s peak had passed, and won his 10th Australian Open title.

The 37-year-old added: “I don’t feel resentment or anger and hold no grudges. I came back the very next year and won. My parents and my whole team were there, and it was actually one of the most emotional victories of my career, given everything I had gone through the previous year.”

Djokovic, currently ranked seventh in the world, is aiming for his 25th Grand Slam title when the 2025 Australian Open kicks off next Sunday.