The Serbian tennis great missed the Australian Open in 2022 after being deported from the country as he was not vaccinated against COVID-19 and still has bad memories from the ordeal that saw him spend five days in an immigration hotel as he awaited his fate.
Djokovic told the Herald Sun newspaper: "The last couple of times I landed in Australia, to go through passport control and immigration - I had a bit of trauma from three years ago.
"And some traces still stay there when I'm passing passport control, just checking out if someone from the immigration zone is Âapproaching.
"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."
Djokovic returned in 2023 to win a record 10th title in Melbourne and described it as one of the most special Grand Slam wins of his career.
He said: "I don't hold a grudge. I came right away the year after and I won.
"My parents and whole team were there and it was actually one of the most emotional wins I've ever had, considering all that I'd been through the year before."
Djokovic will be coached by former rival Andy Murray at this year's Australian Open and admits that it has been "strange" to share secrets about his game with his one-time adversary.
The 24-time major champion said: "Being on the same side of the net is actually great for a change because he’s been one of my greatest rivals.
"In a way it was strange for me to share all these kinds of insights about how I feel on the court, sharing some of the secrets of what I’m going through, what I’m thinking about, how I see my game with somebody that has been always one of the top rivals."
