Novak Djokovic reveals if a British passport could have resulted in a different outcome during his deportation from Australia
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Novak Djokovic
20-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic had one of the worst experiences as a Pro during the start of the year when he spent half of his days in a federal quarantine centre in Australia for not being vaccinated against Covid-19. Novak was taken into the centre after his visa was cancelled upon arrival in Melbourne despite the player having received medical clearance from the Australian committee to enter the country without vaccination.
What followed over the two weeks was two court cases, multiple public protests and massive debates which eventually concluded with the deportation of the Serbian a few hours prior to his first-round match in the 2022 Australian Open where he was the 3-time defending champion and a record 9-time champion. The deportation was also followed by a 3-year ban from re-entering Australia, in what was commented to be a great insult and humiliation of one of the greatest tennis players of the world.
“I would not speculate much” Novak Djokovic if he had accepted a British passport
Djokovic’s childhood had been affected by the wars in Serbia and the Balkan region but the young Novak did not give up on his dream to pursue the sport. Seeing the rise of him despite the adverse conditions as he was making a name for himself by winning various junior events, Djokovic was offered British citizenship which would have been a major boost given the better infrastructure and safety from the war as well.
Novak however declined the offer and remained a Serbian bringing glory and various laurels for his country after turning Pro. In a recent interview, he was asked if his British passport would have made a difference during the fiasco in Australia to which Djokovic gave a firm answer taking pride in being a Serbian national.
“I would not speculate much on what would happen if, I do not regret that I did not change my passport. Again, I’m grateful and satisfied that we made the decision we made – to stay in Serbia, still have a Serbian passport and play for Serbia. I’m not complaining that I’ve gone through some Calvary in my life, because I know that there are many people who have gone through much worse and who still have difficulties.
“I am very fortunate that, with the great support of my family, I played my favourite sport, achieved tremendous success in it and received many benefits from this, including, of course, financial benefits. So I try to always remind myself of the time when I was growing up, because it makes me aware and makes me appreciate everything that I have today, much more. I try to live in the present moment. They say, that each bears the cross that he can bear.
“Far be it from me to sit here with you and tell you how hard it is for me. Again, I am grateful for everything that life and God give me, and I believe that all situations and circumstances are life lessons. I’m trying to learn some lessons that will allow me to become the best version of myself. Both as a man and as a professional tennis player,” said Djokovic speaking with BTU.
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Sarthak Shitole
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