He Made History in Australia 10 Times — But What They’re Doing to Djokovic Now Is Shocking

Novak Djokovic: The Undisputed King of Melbourne

For over a decade, Novak Djokovic has stood as an immovable force on the sun-scorched courts of Melbourne Park, crafting a legacy that has not only defined his career but also reshaped the very fabric of Australian Open history. With 10 Grand Slam titles on Australian soil — more than any man in the tournament’s history — his name has become synonymous with dominance, resilience, and brilliance Down Under.

Yet, in a twist no one saw coming, the country that once heralded him as a hero is now embroiled in an unexpected debate. The issue? A proposed statue to commemorate Djokovic’s unparalleled success in Australia has sparked both admiration and outrage, pushing the tennis world into a fierce discussion about legacy, respect, and national identity.

A Legacy Written in Sweat and Triumph

Few athletes have managed to forge such a deep, emotional connection with a single tournament as Djokovic has with the Australian Open. From his maiden title in 2008 to his most recent triumph, every appearance has been a masterclass in precision, endurance, and psychological warfare.

His 10 titles in Melbourne — a feat never before achieved — came against the backdrop of shifting tennis eras. He overcame the dominance of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, then weathered the emergence of younger challengers like Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Through it all, his bond with the Australian crowd was forged not only through victory but through the stories of perseverance — like battling injury in 2021 or enduring isolation in 2022 amidst visa controversies.

But now, despite these monumental contributions, Australia finds itself divided over whether Djokovic deserves to be immortalized in bronze.

The Statue Controversy: Honor or Overstep?

Earlier this year, a proposal from a group of Melbourne-based tennis enthusiasts and Serbian expatriates gained momentum. They called on Tennis Australia and Victoria’s government to commission a statue of Djokovic to stand alongside legends like Rod Laver and Margaret Court. The rationale? His record demands it.

Initially, the idea was met with enthusiasm. Even some former Australian tennis stars supported the move, acknowledging Djokovic’s impact not only on the sport but on Australia’s international image during the Grand Slam season. However, as news spread, so too did opposition.

Critics argued that while Djokovic’s achievements are undeniably historic, his past controversies — especially his 2022 deportation over vaccination status — have left a sour taste in the mouths of many Australians. To them, immortalizing him in a national sporting shrine feels tone-deaf, even disrespectful.

The 2022 Scandal Still Casts a Shadow

To understand the emotional intensity surrounding this statue debate, one must revisit the events of January 2022, when Djokovic arrived in Melbourne without being vaccinated against COVID-19. Despite initially receiving a medical exemption, public backlash was swift. The situation spiraled into a global media storm, and after a dramatic legal battle, Djokovic was deported just days before the tournament began.

To many, it was a moment of national principle — a reaffirmation of Australia’s tough stance on pandemic management. But for Djokovic’s supporters, it was a humiliating and unnecessary episode that unfairly targeted a global icon.

The scars from that incident haven’t healed. In fact, they’ve resurfaced with renewed intensity as the statue proposal has pushed Australians to confront unresolved feelings. Was Djokovic a reckless outsider who defied public health policy? Or was he a misunderstood champion caught in the political crossfire?

A Global Icon or a Polarizing Figure?

There’s no denying Djokovic’s global status. Beyond Australia, he is hailed as one of the Greatest of All Time (GOATs). His recent record-breaking 24 Grand Slam titles — achieved in 2024 — has elevated him beyond the reach of his rivals. His philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Novak Djokovic Foundation, have helped transform education in Serbia and beyond.

Yet, unlike Federer’s grace or Nadal’s grit, Djokovic’s image has always been more complex. He’s unapologetically expressive, fiercely competitive, and unafraid to speak his mind — qualities that have both endeared and alienated fans over the years. In Australia, that complexity now fuels a cultural dilemma: can you separate the man from the moment? Can a nation that once rejected him now build a monument in his honor?

Melbourne’s Dilemma: Tennis Heritage vs Public Sentiment

From a purely statistical standpoint, Djokovic deserves the statue. No player — Australian or otherwise — has owned the Rod Laver Arena like he has. Each of his 10 titles has brought millions in tourism, international attention, and prestige to the Australian Open. In many ways, he has helped sustain the tournament’s status as the “Happy Slam” in the global tennis calendar.

But for many Australians, statues symbolize more than athletic excellence — they represent shared values. To them, building a statue of Djokovic may feel like erasing the past, like pretending the 2022 incident never happened. This tension between historical achievement and public sentiment is now playing out in headlines, talk shows, and even government debates.

What Djokovic Thinks About It All

Interestingly, Djokovic himself has responded to the statue rumors with his trademark blend of humility and deflection. In a recent interview during the French Open, he said, “If they choose to honor me in that way, I would be deeply grateful. But for me, the greatest honor is the love I feel when I step on that court. That’s enough.”

His response hasn’t stopped the speculation. Behind the scenes, artists have reportedly submitted initial design concepts. One envisions Djokovic mid-roar after his 2023 win; another shows him lifting the trophy under the glowing lights of Rod Laver Arena. But all of it remains unofficial — at least for now.

The Serbian-Australian Community’s Role

One unexpected group has emerged as a powerful voice in this debate: the Serbian diaspora in Australia. Particularly active in Melbourne and Sydney, this community has rallied behind the statue initiative, organizing petitions, social media campaigns, and cultural events celebrating Djokovic’s legacy.

To them, this is not just about tennis — it’s about visibility, identity, and pride. For decades, the Serbian community in Australia has felt marginalized or misunderstood. Djokovic’s success has provided a unifying symbol, a figure who made their language, culture, and heritage visible on the world stage. The statue, for them, is about claiming space — in history, in architecture, and in the national memory.

A Nation at a Crossroads

As Australia debates Djokovic’s monument, it is also confronting deeper questions about its identity, values, and how it tells its stories. Can a country evolve past a scandal? Can it embrace complexity? Can it celebrate greatness even when it’s uncomfortable?

There’s no easy answer. But the very fact that this debate exists — so charged, so layered — proves how deeply Novak Djokovic has embedded himself into Australia’s national consciousness. He is no longer just a visiting athlete; he is part of the country’s tennis folklore, for better or worse.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Djokovic in Australia

Whether or not the statue is built, Djokovic’s legacy in Australia is unshakable. He may be controversial, but he is also transformative. And perhaps, in the end, that’s what true legacy is about — not perfection, but impact. Not universal adoration, but undeniable presence.

As he continues to compete and possibly add to his already unthinkable record, one thing is clear: every time Novak Djokovic walks into Rod Laver Arena, he will do so as more than a player. He will enter as a figure who has challenged, changed, and perhaps even divided a nation — but who has, without question, made history.

And whether that history is carved in stone or written only in memory, it remains deeply, powerfully, and unmistakably Australian.