Novak Djokovic has a particular relationship with Australia, having gained the Australian Open ten instances and having written memorable pages of tennis historical past on the long-lasting Rod Laver Enviornment. Nevertheless, followers bear in mind effectively how the occasions of 2022 severely risked damaging the deep bond that had been created as much as that time.
The Serbian legend had not been vaccinated towards COVID-19, had left for Australia earlier than the beginning of the match, however had been detained by native authorities upon her arrival in Melbourne. From that second, an extended cleaning soap opera had begun that had transcended the boundaries of tennis, till Nole had been despatched residence and had not been capable of take part in that version of the AO.
Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic© X screenshot
That dangerous story nonetheless represents an open wound for the 24-time Grand Slam champion, who has by no means held a grudge towards Australia. The previous world No. 1 often returned for the 2023 version, by which he gained his tenth title by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas within the remaining.
The 37-year-old from Belgrade is chasing his eleventh ‘Down Underneath’ trophy this 12 months and hopes to play his greatest tennis from the primary rounds. The present world quantity 7 doesn’t have a straightforward draw and will face Carlos Alcaraz already within the quarterfinals.
Djokovic recollects his deportation
In an extended interview with ‘GQ’ earlier than the match started, Djokovic recalled his deportation in 2022 and all of the associated occasions: “My stance is exactly the same today as it was a few years ago. I’m not pro-vaccine. I’m not anti-vax. I am pro-freedom to choose what is right for you and your body.
Novak Djokovic, Brisbane 2025© Stream screenshot
And still even today, 99 percent of the people don’t know why I have been deported from Australia. On what basis. People think that I’ve been deported from Australia because I haven’t taken the vaccine. That I was unvaccinated and I tried to kind of force my way into Australia, which is completely untrue.”
