Djokovic about 2022 memories: My stomach was in knots when I landed on “that” terminal

Novak Djokovic told Serbian press that some bad memories came back to him when he landed this year in Melbourne

Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2024 | © Zuma / Panoramic

January 13, 2024

Last year’s title at the Australian Open has arguably been the most emotional of Novak Djokovic’s career, because of everything that had occurred in Melbourne in 2022.

Everybody knows the story – Djokovic was deported from Australia, but not before spending five nights detained at an immigration hotel in Melbourne.

Sometimes one ought to remember the most difficult times in order to appreciate how much stronger those difficulties have made him. ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ has become a cliche for a reason – it’s true.

When I came this year, we landed at the same terminal as in 2022..
Novak Djokovic

On Saturday, Djokovic was asked by Serbian reporters in Melbourne whether he had visited the infamous Park hotel.

“No, I haven’t been there, said Djokovic. Last year I flew to Adelaide first, so we landed at another terminal in Melbourne. When I came this year, we landed at the same terminal as in 2022 – I saw the whole path I went over that day, the immigration office, I even recognized a man who was there two years ago. It did not feel, my stomach was in knots”.

Djokovic said that he doesn’t feel fear and that he thinks about visiting the place that brought him so many memories.

A general view of the Park Hotel, in Melbourne, January 6, 2022. AAP Image/Joel Carrett

“From what I’ve understood, most of the detainees were released. It was one good thing that came out of all that – because of me, that place got so much media attention, the pressure from the media followed and people were released,” the Serb said.

Particularly publicized was the story of the Iranian named Mehdi, who spent nine years in detention before being released at 24 years of age.

“I feel some kind of special connection with Mehdi. We keep in touch, he lives in Minnesota now, so we will see each other when I go to the US. He told me that he was grateful for the attention my case brought,” concluded Djokovic.

Following one of the darkest moments of his career and his life, Djokovic went on to win four more Grand Slam titles, among other trophies.

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