Anthony Albanese takes Novak Djokovic's side after tennis legend revealed his trauma surrounding Melbourne Covid nightmare in 2022
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared Novak Djokovic's treatment by the former federal government was 'astonishing' after the tennis superstar revealed the trauma he still endures surrounding his Melbourne Covid nightmare in 2022. Then immigration minister Alex Hawke infamously denied Djokovic entry into the country three years ago because he was not fully vaccinated.
![[It comes after the tennis superstar revealed the trauma he still feels following his Melbourne Covid nightmare in 2022]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/06/22/93804153-14256771-image-a-14_1736202149821.jpg)
Djokovic was detained at Melbourne's Park Hotel for five days as he challenged the decision before he was sent home. 'I made comments about it at the time,' Albanese told reporters. 'I found it astonishing that in the lead-up to Christmas, Novak Djokovic was denied by the then-federal government the opportunity to see his Orthodox minister, priest during that period.
![[Novak Djokovic (pictured) says he still feels 'trauma' whenever he visits Melbourne after being detained and deported during the Covid crisis in 2022]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/06/05/93775309-14253629-Novak_Djokovic_pictured_says_he_still_feels_trauma_when_visiting-a-40_1736142611526.jpg)
'That was something that I think was hard to justify.'. Anthony Albanese has declared Novak Djokovic's treatment by the former federal government was 'astonishing' (the PM is pictured right, at the 2024 Australian Open men's singles final with partner Jodie Haydon).
![[The tennis legend was deported after a row over his vaccination status (pictured) in tense scenes which made headlines around the world]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/06/05/93775147-14253629-The_tennis_legend_was_deported_from_the_country_after_a_row_over-a-41_1736142611527.jpg)
It comes after the tennis superstar revealed the trauma he still feels following his Melbourne Covid nightmare in 2022. It comes as Djokovic revealed the 'trauma' he faces whenever he visits Melbourne after being detained and deported during the Covid crisis - before getting a stern response from the Victorian Premier.
![[Premier Jacinta Allan reacted to Djokovic's revelation about the impact of his detention and deportation with a blunt statement]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/06/05/93775329-14253629-Premier_Jacinta_Allan_has_said_Melbourne_s_reputation_hasn_t_bee-a-42_1736142611527.jpg)
