Novak Djokovic was 'extremely distressed' amid vaccine controversy during Australian Open after joint practice says Federico Coria

Federico Coria recalled his practice session with Novak Djokovic before the 2022 Australian Open, shortly before the Serbian was deported by the authorities. The world No. 1 had arrived in Melbourne with the aim of securing his 21st Grand Slam title and breaking the three-way tie of Slams he shared with Federer and Nadal (all with 20 at the time).

Nole entered the country thanks to a medical exemption that initially allowed him to compete in the Australian Open amid concerns about Covid-19. However, federal government authorities detained Djokovic for not meeting the entry requirements for unvaccinated travelers.

Djokovic was released following the intervention of Australia’s Federal Circuit and Family Court, but he then had to await a decision from the country's immigration minister, Alex Hawke, to see if his visa would be canceled for a second time, which would mean he could not compete in the tournament.

During the waiting period, Djokovic did not halt his tournament preparations and took part in a training session at Melbourne Park with the Argentine Federico Coria, who holds a career-high ranking of world No. 49 and is the brother of former world No. 3 Guillermo Coria. The 32-year-old tennis player recalled Djokovic's distress at that time and discussed his support for Djokovic at a time when few backed his decision not to get vaccinated.

"He (Djokovic) was extremely distressed; he was having a very bad time. He was very excited to be allowed to play. We already know the end of the story. He received great respect because, at the time, many players turned their backs on him or did not agree with how he proceeded," Coria told Clay.

The Argentinian also mentioned that Djokovic made him work very hard during that training session: "It wasn't his or my best moment. I had to tell him to stop making me run because he had been locked up, and I was about to die," Coria added.

Ultimately, Djokovic was unable to compete in the tournament in 2022, and the title was claimed by Rafael Nadal in an epic final against Daniil Medvedev. The Spaniard secured his 21st Grand Slam title, momentarily surpassing Djokovic. However, a year later, in his return to Melbourne, Djokovic delivered one of his best performances in the tournament, claiming the title while only dropping one set in the second round against Enzo Couacaud.