SUMMARY
- The 2022 Australian Open generated a lot of controversies even before the event began.
- Novak Djokovic's visa was canceled twice, and he faced deportation charges.
The 2022 Australian Open was a reminder of the problematic situation in Australia. As a result, Novak Djokovic faced the worst experience of his career as a tennis professional. He could not play the event and, as a result, was deported back home. Djokovic and his family had to go through a horrible time during their stay in Australia.
Djokovic’s mother had shared her ordeal when Djokovic was put under detention for five days. Due to his no-vaccine policy, the Serbian was not allowed to compete at the Australian Open. He stayed at the Park Hotel, and his mother claimed he was not treated like a human. She said, “He is not a criminal but an athlete.” Djokovic was also warned about a three-year ban if he returned to Australia.
The situation in Australia was only getting worse. Djokovic was questioned for hours by Australian officials. The government canceled his visa twice, and then Djokovic had to leave Melbourne in view of public interests. The world No. 1 was disappointed with the court’s ruling but said he respected the decision. It also marked the end of 17 consecutive appearances by Djokovic in Melbourne.
Novak Djokovic continues grand slam success despite ban
The 2022 season saw Djokovic win five titles, including a Grand Slam trophy. The 36-year-old was not allowed to play at the Australian and US Open. But he reached the quarterfinals of the French Open and went on to win at Wimbledon. It was his 21st grand slam victory and seventh win at Wimbledon. Djokovic also captured his 90th career title at Astana.
The 10-time Australian Open champion admitted that he would never forget what he underwent in Australia. Even after missing two grand slams in the 2022 season, Djokovic collected 42 victories that year. He won his 1000th career ATP match in Rome in May during that period. Djokovic defeated Casper Ruud in straight sets in the semifinal to reach the milestone mark.
Novak Djokovic’s 2022 season
🏆 Rome
🏆 Wimbledon
🏆 Tel Aviv
🏆 Astana
🏆 Masters
🖐️ Year-end World No.511 tournaments played pic.twitter.com/h8T59x4Rfv
— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) November 21, 2022
At the end of the 2022 season, Djokovic won the Nitto ATP Finals to end the season positively. He was the highest earner that season, with over nine million dollars in on-court earnings. It proved the dominance of the 24-time grand slam champion on the ATP tour. Djokovic’s mental strength was tested to its limits that year, and he overcame the struggle like a true warrior.