"You don't forget" - Djokovic on last year's deportation
ATP
Novak Djokovic said that he didn't forget his last year's deportation after he arrived in Australia this year.
The start of the 2022 season is something that Djokovic probably wants to forget. He arrived in Australia in search of another trophy at the Australian Open in Melbourne, but instead of battling on the tennis courts, he was deported from the country.
Because of the deportation, the Serbian player should have been unable to enter the country for three years, but that ban was overturned, which is why he was able to travel to Australia this year.
Djokovic's first tournament of the 2023 season will be the Adelaide International, and ahead of the ATP 250 event in Adelaide, he spoke about what happened last year, saying he didn't forget it.
"Obviously, what happened 12 months ago was not easy for me, for my family, or to anybody who’s close to me, and it’s obviously disappointing to leave the country like that. You don’t forget those events. It’s one of these things that sticks with you for the rest of your life."
Obviously, it was such a significant event in his life that Djokovic couldn't just forget that. He now sees it as a valuable experience, but it's not something he would want to experience again.
"It was, as I said, something that I’ve never experienced before and hopefully never again. But it is a valuable life experience for me and something that, as I said, will stay there, but I have to move on."
While remembering what happened last year, Djokovic can't forget all of his good memories from Australia. He still appreciates all the support that he receives in the country, which is why he was happy to come back.
"I always felt great in Australia. I’ve played my best tennis here and received a lot of support, so hopefully, I can have another great summer."
