Novak Djokovic: Covid Deportation ‘Trauma’ Still Lingers When Entering Australia

Novak Djokovic has revealed that the trauma of his deportation from Australia three years ago still affects him when visiting Melbourne. The incident occurred when Djokovic attempted to enter the country on a medical exemption for the Covid-19 vaccine, a move denied by Australian border authorities.

At the time, Australia required all entrants to have a valid vaccination certificate or an approved medical exemption. Djokovic, who has previously expressed his reluctance to get vaccinated, believed his prior Covid-19 infection qualified as a valid exemption. However, his claim was rejected, sparking widespread controversy. He was detained in a Carlton hotel for five days before being deported.

Health Minister Greg Hunt stated at the time that Djokovic’s exemption was invalid: “The rules are clear. You must be vaccinated or have a valid exemption. Prior infection is not a valid exemption.”

In a recent interview with the Herald Sun, the 37-year-old spoke candidly about the lingering impact of the episode. “To be honest, I still have some trauma,” Djokovic admitted. “The last couple of times I landed in Australia, going through passport control and immigration brought back memories. I couldn’t help but feel anxious, wondering if someone from immigration would stop me, detain me, or let me through. That feeling hasn’t completely gone away.”

Despite the experience, Djokovic returned to Melbourne the following year and won his 22nd Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.

“I don’t hold any resentment,” he said. “I came back in 2023 and won the Australian Open. It was my 22nd Slam, and having my parents and entire team there made it one of the most emotional victories of my career, especially after everything that happened the year before.”