SUMMARY
- Djokovic's return to the Australian Open brings back haunting memories from a troubled 2022 when he was detained for not being vaccinated.
- Despite the past turmoil, Djokovic sees the adversities of 2022 as a stepping stone while aiming for another Grand Slam title.
Novak Djokovic’s return to the Australian Open in 2024 is not just about chasing his 11th AO title but carries the weight of some unpleasant memories from a tumultuous 2022. As Djokovic’s plane touched down in Melbourne, it wasn’t just the anticipation of the upcoming tournament that gripped him.
The sight of the terminal triggered a flood of memories from two years ago—the very same terminal where he landed amid deportation threats and spent five nights in detention, replaying in his mind the turmoil of the past.
In 2022, Djokovic, despite being a 20-time Grand Slam champion, found himself entangled in a visa controversy. Denied entry due to vaccination requirements, he became an unintended resident of the Park Hotel, an immigration detention center.
Djokovic on his trip to Australia : “Last year I flew to Adelaide first, 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…”https://t.co/XDKKeO0djO
— Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) January 13, 2024
The airport terminal marked the beginning of a saga that saw Djokovic detained, his visa canceled, and deportation unfold just as the Australian Open commenced. Djokovic admitted, “My stomach was in knots when I landed on ‘that’ terminal.” Revisiting that site triggered an emotional rollercoaster through the turbulent past.
Djokovic’s five-day stay in the Park Hotel also reminded him of the refugees and asylum seekers who were staying in the confines of the same hotel for several years. However, as Djokovic strives for another Grand Slam title, the haunting memories of 2022 become a stepping stone, guiding him through challenges and adversities.
Novak Djokovic survives Dino Prizmic scare in R1 of the Australian Open
In the opening round of the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic faced a formidable challenge from the young Dino Prizmic. Despite initially appearing in control with a 6-2 first-set victory, Djokovic encountered stiff resistance as Prizmic showcased his talent with a brilliant crosscourt winner to break the top seed early in the second set.
The 18-year-old Croatian, ranked 178th in the world, demonstrated remarkable defense, similar to Novak himself, and forced Djokovic to elevate his game. Prizmic, needing a medical timeout for strapping on his thigh, battled fiercely, ultimately leveling the contest in the tiebreak and securing the second set.
All tied up 🤝
Prizmic is bringing the HEAT to Djokovic on Rod Laver Arena 🔥 @AustralianOpen #AusOpen
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 14, 2024
The match intensified in the third set as Djokovic faced intense pressure, making 20 unforced errors while facing six break points on his serve. Prizmic, displaying athleticism and powerful forehands, broke Djokovic and took a 3-2 lead. However, Djokovic, determined to maintain his six-year unbeaten streak at the Australian Open, regrouped, won the next four games and claimed the set.
An extraordinary match concludes in the most sporting fashion.
The past and present of this game embraces and congratulates the future.
Novak goes through 6-2 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4, but young Dino Prizmic leaves a lasting impression.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/E4ZfCb0JcX
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2024
The physical toll of the battle started to affect Prizmic, and Djokovic capitalized on his advantage in the fourth set, securing a 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 victory after four hours of intense play. This was Djokovic’s 90th win at the Australian Open; however, the challenges posed by the young prodigy, Prizmic, were equally impressive, earning him huge applause from the crowd at Rod Laver Arena.