Novak Djokovic said he still feels “a bit of trauma” when he travels to Australia, stemming from his deportation in 2022 because he was not vaccinated against COVID-19.
“The last couple of times that I landed in Australia, to go through passport control and immigration, I had a bit of trauma from three years ago," Djokovic said in an interview with Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper published Monday, ahead of the Australian Open. “And some traces still stay there when I’m passing passport control, just checking out if someone from immigration zone is approaching.”
Djokovic, who has won 10 of his 24 Grand Slam championships at Melbourne Park, continued: “The person checking my passport — are they going to take me, detain me again or let me go? I must admit I have that feeling.”
Back in 2022, Djokovic sought, and initially obtained, an exemption that would allow him into the Australian Open — and the country — even though there were strict rules requiring shots to protect against the coronavirus. But after his flight landed, he was detained at the airport, his visa was canceled and he was sent to an immigration hotel.
A judge later reinstated the visa and ordered Djokovic’s release, ruling he wasn’t given enough time to speak to his lawyers. Australia’s immigration minister then took away the visa again, based on “public interest.” Djokovic’s appeal of that ruling was denied by a three-judge panel, and he was deported. He faced a possible three-year ban from the country as someone whose visa was revoked, but Australia had a change of government, its pandemic border rules changed and a new immigration minister granted Djokovic a visa in 2023 — when he went on to claim the trophy.
“I don’t hold any resentment, to be honest,” Djokovic told the Herald Sun about the saga. “I don’t hold a grudge.”
The Australian Open begins Sunday (Saturday EST), and Djokovic will be pursuing his 11th trophy in Melbourne to add to his men's record and an unprecedented 25th major singles title overall.
A year ago, Djokovic lost in the semifinals to eventual champion Jannik Sinner.
“I just hope to, before I retire, get at least one more title there," said the 37-year-old Djokovic, whose only triumph at a tournament in 2024 was his singles gold medal for Serbia at the Paris Olympics in August.
Djokovic opened 2025 at the Brisbane International last week, losing in the quarterfinals to Reilly Opelka.
At the Australian Open, Djokovic will be playing in his first event alongside new coach Andy Murray, his former on-court rival and a three-time major champion who retired as a player after the Summer Games. Murray and Djokovic have said they will partner up through the year's initial Grand Slam tournament.
AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
Serbia's Novak Djokovic plays a forehand against USA's Reilly Opelka during their match at the Brisbane International, in Brisbane, Australia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Pat Hoelscher)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic plays a forehand to USA's Reilly Opelka during their match at the Brisbane International in Brisbane, Australia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Pat Hoelscher)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts after losing his match against USA's Reilly Opelka at the Brisbane International, in Brisbane, Australia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Pat Hoelscher)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts during his match against France's Gael Monfils at the Brisbane International in Brisbane, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Pat Hoelscher)
Evacuating a wildfire area can be scary, but experts say people can significantly improve their own safety with a little preparation and common sense.
Creating a wildfire action plan, packing a “go bag” and maintaining basic situational awareness during evacuations can make a big difference when escaping a disaster, Jesse Torres, a battalion chief for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, said
But the most important tip? Don't wait around for an evacuation order, Torres said.
“The biggest thing is to get out early, before the notifications come out. It’s so important to avoid the congestion,” he said. That’s especially true in areas that have narrow roadways or limited routes, Torres said, because traffic jams can form quickly: “Everyone’s doing the same thing — they’re all trying to get out.”
Here are some safety tips on what to do before and during a wildfire evacuation, and what to do if you get trapped.
Many communities, including several in California, have warning alert systems that allow residents to sign up for push notifications to their mobile phones or email accounts.
FEMA has a downloadable app that provides real-time alerts on mobile phones, and public safety agencies can also push alerts to television, radio and wireless devices through the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System. The NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards is a nationwide network of radio stations that broadcast continuous weather information as well as official Weather Service warnings, forecasts and other hazard information.
A battery- or crank-operated portable radio can also be a critical tool for receiving emergency alerts, especially in areas where cellular service is unreliable or when regional cellular towers might be threatened by wind, fire or other hazards.
Household emergency action plans help ensure that all members of a family know exactly what to do and where to go during a wildfire. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says emergency plans should be tailored for a household's unique circumstances, taking into account things like special medical needs or whether a family has livestock.
Strong wildfire action plans typically include: A pre-arranged meeting point well outside the area of danger where household members can meet to determine who has evacuated; multiple escape routes out of the area so people know which way to go if one pathway to safety is blocked; arrangements for any family members with disabilities or medical conditions; arrangements for pets and livestock; and a communication plan that identifies someone outside the area to be the main contact point in case household members get separated.
When it's time to evacuate, having a pre-packed “go bag” or emergency supply kit can save valuable minutes, Torres said.
Cal Fire says a “go bag” should include a map with at least two evacuation routes; necessary prescriptions or medical items like eyeglasses; extra car keys, cash or credit cards; a basic first aid kit; a flashlight and battery-powered radio with extra batteries; and copies of important documents like passports or birth certificates. It should also include a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water per person, as well as food and water for any pets. N95 masks can help filter out many of the particles in wildfire smoke, and an extra cellphone battery or charger can also be helpful.
“Go bags” should be accessible and easy to grab in an emergency, Torres said.
“Plan like you're going on a trip for seven days. Have clothes, toilet paper, toothbrush, soap, a towel in there,” Torres said. “You might end up in an evacuation center, or you might end up with family, so be prepared.”
If time allows, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends connecting water hoses and filling garbage cans, tubs, pools and the like with water to help firefighters if they end up on your property.
“Close all your windows, and if you’re able to and aware of how to do it safely, shut off the gas and power to your home," he said. Closing doors, windows and vents will help prevent embers from blowing inside and catching the interior on fire, Torres said.
Even if you don't have a “go bag” or a wildfire action plan set up, don't dally if you feel like danger is near, Torres said.
Fires can move faster than humans, especially when they are driven by high winds. And all sorts of things, including downed power lines, thick smoke, abandoned cars, blowing debris and heavy traffic can impede escape routes during emergencies.
“Just get out of those warning- and evacuation order-zones. If you have family on the other side of the county, go to the other side of the county," Torres said. “Get out and get off the roadways as soon as possible.”
If you can't evacuate, your car breaks down or you get stuck for some other reason, don't panic, Torres said. Instead, take a look around and call 911.
“Realize where you are, what street you are at. Can you see an address sign? Call 911, so we can get resources out to you to try to find you,” Torres said.
Sometimes people lose sight of the fire during an evacuation, and it can be hard to tell where they are in all the smoke. An intersection or landmark can help emergency responders identify someone's location and determine if they are in immediate danger, he said. Again, it's crucial not to delay — go ahead and call 911 to “get that process started,” said Torres.
If someone can walk to a safe spot, they should do that, Torres said. In that scenario, stay on a main route if possible, because that increases the chances of being spotted by a passing car or emergency responder, he said.
A residence burns as the Palisades Fire advances in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)
