Novak Djokovic began his campaign at the 2024 Australian Open on Sunday. The 10-time champion has made many memories in Australia, starting with his first major title in 2008. But two years ago, his darkest moment in life also came in the very same place.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion was detained at the Park Hotel in Melbourne following his entry to Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Novak Djokovic eventually spent five nights at the hotel with many other detainees.
However, this torment was fruitful not only for him but for the other detainees as well. His detention caused the media to not focus on him but on other detainees as well, among whom was Mehdi Ali.
Speaking with TennisMajors, Novak Djokovic revealed the torment of the detainees and his special connection with Mehdi:
“From what I’ve understood, most of the detainees were released. It was one good thing that came out of all that – because of me, that place got so much media attention, the pressure from the media followed, and people were released,” the Serb said.
“I feel some kind of special connection with Mehdi. We keep in touch; he lives in Minnesota now, so we will see each other when I go to the US. He told me that he was grateful for the attention my case brought,” concluded Djokovic.
