Novak Djokovic got deported by the Australian government in 2022 after the controversial COVID-19 vaccinnation saga.
Novak Djokovic (via X)
Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic is the greatest Australian Open champion of all time. He has won 10 Grand Slam titles at Melbourne Park and built an unmatched legacy at the Rod Laver Arena. However, Australia also brought some negative memories of Djokovic’s career.
In 2022, Djokovic was deported from Australia due to a controversial COVID-19 vaccination issue. A year later, he returned to Melbourne and reclaimed the title he had been unable to defend. Djokovic considers this victory the most emotional win of his career.
Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets, bringing his Grand Slam tally to 22 and equaling Rafael Nadal’s overall record. This was the second time he had beaten Tsitsipas in a Grand Slam final, having previously won against him at the 2021 Roland Garros final.
Djokovic’s reign was short-lived, however. The following year, he was defeated by eventual champion Jannik Sinner. The Italian went on to win the title by beating Daniil Medvedev in the final.
Novak Djokovic is set to chase his 11th Australian Open title in 2025. He first triumphed at the tournament in 2008, defeating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the final. This marked the beginning of his incredible journey at Melbourne Park, where he has become the most successful player in the tournament’s history.
In 2011, Djokovic won his second Australian Open by beating Andy Murray, who is now his coach. He continued to dominate their rivalry at this tournament, defeating Murray in three more finals in 2013, 2015, and 2016. Djokovic also secured memorable victories against Rafael Nadal in the finals of 2012 and 2019, further cementing his legacy.
Djokovic’s success didn’t stop there. In 2020, he won another title by defeating Dominic Thiem in a hard-fought five-set match. The following year, he beat Daniil Medvedev in straight sets to claim his ninth Australian Open trophy. His 10th title came in 2023, when he overcame Stefanos Tsitsipas in a dominant performance.
Over the years, Djokovic has showcased his unmatched skill and determination at the Australian Open. With 10 titles to his name, he holds the record for the most wins at the tournament. Now, he will look to add an 11th title to his incredible collection in 2025.