Djokovic spills on ‘difficult’ Aussie saga in new documentary

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic insists he holds “no grudges” against Australia, after reflecting on his highly publicised deportation in 2022 over his unvaccinated status.

Speaking exclusively to Nine’s Today, Djokovic opened up about that “difficult” year, which is explored in his upcoming documentary, Novak Djokovic: The Wolf in Winter.

Despite the controversy that saw him miss the Australian Open that year, the 24-time grand slam champion remains fond of the country where he secured his first major title as a 20-year-old in 2008.

“I think there was many more positive, bright and beautiful moments and experiences that I had in Australia,” Djokovic said to Today.

“Even that difficult, challenging year in 2022 that I experienced that we also touched upon in the film a little bit. It was a very valuable experience for me.

“I don’t hold any kind of grudge for anything that happened in the past. On the contrary, I always look forward coming back to Australia.”

The documentary aims to explore the personal side of the tennis star’s 23-year career. While fans are well-acquainted with his historic on-court triumphs, Djokovic hopes the film reveals the man behind the records.

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“Hopefully, this film will present more of that personal private side of me and my journey, my upbringing. Who I am off the court that people get acquainted with, and hopefully they would want to learn more,” he explained.

“I see my legacy really expanding and going beyond tennis and what I have achieved.”

Addressing the ongoing mental pressures of his career, the Serbian tennis player noted that the documentary will peel back the curtain on his vulnerabilities.

“For people who follow tennis or who know me, they know me for my achievements and everything that I accomplished on the court.

“And this film is really more about the story behind those achievements, the journey. The moments that define me as a person, the resilience, the perseverance.”

Djokovic recently bowed out in the first round at the Cincinnati Open to Thiago Agustín Tirante in a shock defeat, where the 39-year-old battled with the heat.