Novak Djokovic’s last-ditch effort to remain in Australia and compete at the Australian Open have been thwarted after losing his visa appeal.
The world No 1, who is unvaccinated, confirmed he would defend his championship title at the Australian Open after he received a medical exemption.
Australia requires any foreign visitor entering the country to be double vaccinated or complete 14 days in quarantine.
Djokovic’s initial entry into the country was met with fierce backlash from the public, with the Serbian superstar arriving in Australia on 5th January.
However, the 34-year-old tennis player found that border officials denied him entry into Australia and his visa had been cancelled.
Djokovic later saw the decision overturned in court, but then Australia Immigration Minister Alex Hawke overturned the verdict in a dramatic turn of events.
Judges have now decided that Djokovic will be deported from Australia and ruled out his appeal over his visa rejection, according to the BBC.
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The 20-time Grand Slam winner’s defence had argued in Sunday's court hearing that the decision to overturn his visa was “invalid and illogical.”
But Chief Justice James Allsop claimed that the federal court's ruling was supported by the lawfulness and legality of the minister’s decision.
Djokovic now faces the realistic possibility of receiving a three-year ban on returning to Australia, with his Australian Open title defence effectively over.
The tennis star, who hasn’t been shy to express his views on vaccines, is tied for most men’s Grand Slam titles at 20 alongside Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Djokovic admitted that he is “extremely disappointed” with the court’s ruling, but he has accepted defeat and will “cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country.”
He said in a statement: “I would like to make a brief statement to address the outcomes of today’s court hearing.
“I will now be taking some time to rest and to recuperate, before making any further comments beyond this.
“I am extremely disappointed with the court ruling to dismiss my application for judicial review of the minister’s decision to cancel my visa, which means I cannot stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open.
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“I respect the court’s ruling and I will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country.
“I am uncomfortable that the focus of the past weeks has been on me and I hope that we can all now focus on the game and tournament I love.
“I would like to wish the players, tournament officials, staff, volunteers and fans all the best for the tournament.
“Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends, team, supporters, fans and my fellow Serbians for your continued support. You have all been a great source of strength to me.”
Djokovic was scheduled to begin his Australian Open title defence on Monday at the Rod Laver Arena against fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanovic.
With Djokovic’s exit from both the competition and country, Kecmanovic will now take on Salvatore Caruso in the first round of the Australian Open.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Novak Djokovic, Tennis, Australian Open
Adnan Riaz