World No. 1 Novak Djokovic admitted the Australia visa debacle was a negative experience but not something that “left huge scars.”
While in Australia, Djokovic’s visa was twice revoked and he was twice placed in detention.
After losing his Australia visa appeal, Djokovic was deported from the country.
“I try to be optimistic in life and consider myself a very optimistic, positive person,” Djokovic said, per Tennishead.
“I take lessons available in every experience, particularly in something as large as what happened in January (his deportation).
“Once I start playing matches… I will obviously have to deal with everything that probably has been dormant inside and is maybe waiting to come out.
“I don’t feel it has left huge scars that I’m unable to train or participate in tournaments or live my life… far from that.
“But it has been a challenging few months and something I never experienced before. So I will try to use that as a fuel for what’s coming up.
“The last four, five months have been really challenging for me mentally and emotionally, but here I am. I try to leave all of that behind and move on.”
Djokovic aims to win Monte Carlo
After being denied participation at the Australian Open, Djokovic kicked off his 2022 season in February in Dubai.
There, Djokovic reached the quarterfinal before suffering a shock loss to Jiri Vesely.
Djokovic, who turns 35 next month, made it clear he is still hungry for more success.
“I still feel motivated to be on the Tour and compete with young guys and try to challenge the best players in the world for the biggest titles,” Djokovic said.
Djokovic, seeded at No. 1, has a first round bye in Monte Carlo.
In the second round, Djokovic plays Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who defeated Marcos Giron in the first round.
Djokovic is aiming to win his third Monte Carlo title this week.