Australian Open; A nightmare for Djokovic

Web Desk — A last-ditch court bid by Novak Djokovic to stay in Australia has been rejected, and the tennis player will be deported.

On “health and good order” grounds, the government revoked the tennis star’s visa because of his unvaccinated status.

His hopes of defending his Australian Open title and winning a record 21st Grand Slam have been dashed.

Despite being “extremely disappointed,” Djokovic respected the ruling, which was made on the eve of his first match.

“I will cooperate with the relevant authorities regarding my departure from the country,” he said in a statement. His departure date was not immediately known.

As the decision was announced, his supporters fell silent outside the courtroom. 

Australian PM Scott Morrison praised “the decision to keep our borders strong and keep Australians safe”.

“Australians have made many sacrifices during this pandemic, and they deserve protection,” he said.

Djokovic moved court after Immigration Minister Alex Hawke used his ministerial powers to cancel the Serbian player’s visa, arguing that his presence in the country risked fanning anti-vaccine sentiment.

During the hearing on Sunday before a three-judge panel, Djokovic’s defense argued that the government’s allegations were “invalid and illogical”.

On Sunday, Chief Justice James Allsop stated that the federal court’s ruling was based on the lawfulness and legality of the minister’s decision, not on its merits or wisdom.

Full reasoning for the ruling will be made public in the coming days, he said.