Novak Djokovic’s Documentary Director Makes Shocking Claim on the Serb’s Australian Open Deportation Saga

Novak Djokovic‘s documentary is set to premiere on screens worldwide on August 20. The documentary will explore many controversies surrounding the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

However, the controversies started building even before the documentary went live. The director, Jason Hehir, has discussed the Australian Open 2022 deportation scandal, and he himself disagrees with Djokovic’s views on the situation. Hehir spoke on the Served Podcast, where he was asked whether he knew the Olympic Gold medalist before the documentary was approved. He said:

Very little. I knew what the average big sports fan knows. I was not a tennis junkie. I watched the majors. Candidly, most recently at that point, I knew of him from the deportation scandal and the vaccine stuff, which I disagreed with him on and still do. So, I didn’t have that favorable an image of him in my head because it was that was still kind of in the news when you brought up Novak. You brought that up, and that’s going to follow him around for a while. Obviously, we deal with that for a while in the documentary as well.

Djokovic traveled to Australia in 2022 after being provided a medical exemption by the Australian government. However, officials took his passport and legal documents. After a week of controversy over his fate, the Australian minister deported Djokovic.

Djokovic traveled to the Middle East afterward to play the Dubai Open. He was also not allowed to play in Indian Wells, the Miami Open, the Canadian Open, the Cincinnati Open, and the US Open during the 2022 season.

Novak Djokovic stunned in Cincinnati

Thiago Agustin Tirante pulled off a major upset at the Cincinnati Open. He defeated Novak Djokovic with a score of 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. This victory marks the biggest achievement of the Argentine’s career.

Djokovic controlled the match early on by winning the first set easily. However, the sweltering heat and humidity caused him significant trouble later. He even required medical treatment after a grueling 18-minute game.

The match remained close throughout the final set. Djokovic struggled with uncharacteristic errors while the score was tied at 4-4. A poorly hit volley into the net gave Tirante the break he needed to pull ahead.

Tirante calmly served out the match to secure the win. He emotionally dedicated his success to his family and friends in Argentina. The Argentine also beat Martin Landaluce 7-6, 7-6 in the next round.

Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka confirmed for US Open mixed doubles

The 2026 US Open mixed doubles field is packed with superstar power. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and tennis legend Novak Djokovic headline a direct-entry list that signals a major shift in the tournament’s prestige.

Other high-profile pairings include Iga Swiatek with Casper Ruud and Elena Rybakina alongside Taylor Fritz. These combinations reflect a concerted effort to draw the sport’s biggest singles names into the specialized format.

Romantic connections are also center stage, with real-life couples like Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils, and Katie Boulter and Alex de Minaur, taking to the court together. Veteran icons like Venus Williams will also compete, partnering with Alexander Bublik for a deep run in New York.

Competition begins during the newly expanded Fan Week, starting August 24. A fresh qualifying tournament will finalize the main draw, as teams vie for the prestigious title held by defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic Completely Identifies with Jannik Sinner: “Like Me, He’s Never Satisfied”