Novak Djokovic makes his feelings crystal clear on COVID-19 vaccination 3 years after Australian Open deportation saga

Novak Djokovic gave his thoughts on the COVID-19 vaccine three years following his controversial deportation from Australia ahead of the 2022 Australian Open. The Serb spoke about how he chose to exercise his freedom of choice on what he put into his body.

Djokovic, a record 24-time Grand Slam champion and among the greatest male tennis players ever, was initially detained upon landing in Australia since he had not taken the COVID-19 vaccine, then confined to a hotel room for a couple of days before he was cleared to train, albeit under strict supervision.

However, with just a few days left for the commencement of the Melbourne Major, the Serb's visa was cancelled and he was deported. Three years since the incident, the 37-year-old once again clarified his feelings on the deportation saga in an interview with GQ.

“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,” he said.

Novak Djokovic alleged that his deportation from Australia was "political" and not because he had not taken the vaccine.

“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.”

Djokovic was also forced to miss the US Open that year as well, since he was not vaccinated. However, he went on to win both hard-court Majors in 2023.

Novak Djokovic to begin Australian Open campaign against American teenager

Novak Djokovic during a charity match in Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open 2025 (Image Source: Getty)

The draw for Australian Open 2025 has been released and Djokovic has been drawn against American teenager Nishesh Basavareddy, who received a wildcard for the Grand Slam. It will be the first main-draw appearance at a Major for the 19-year-old, who recently booked his place in the semifinals of the ASB Classic in Auckland after beating eighth seed Brandon Nakashima in the quarterfinals.

Djokovic has not had the best of starts to the 2025 season, as he suffered a quarterfinal exit at the Brisbane International. The Serb entered the ATP 250 event at the top seed and reached the last eight after wins over Rinky Hijikata and Gael Monfils.

Here, he lost 6-7(6), 3-6 to eventual runner-up Reilly Opelka, who was ranked below the Top 300 at the time.