MELBOURNE, KOMPAS.com – Novak Djokovic will be deported from Australia after losing a final court bid to remain in the country.
An Australian Federal Court judge dismissed the tennis star’s appeal after the Australian Government revoked the unvaccinated player’s visa on public health grounds.
The decision has ended the tennis player’s hopes of retaining her Australian Open title and winning a record 21st Grand Slam.
Also read: Defeated appeal, Novak Djokovic will be deported and canceled from appearing at the Australian Open
Djokovic’s response after losing the appeal
Djokovic said he was “deeply disappointed” but respected the Australian Federal Court’s decision.
He supports the government’s right to revoke his visa for fear he is fueling anti-vaccine sentiment.
“I can’t stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open,” Djokovic said ahead of the Australian Open tournament he has dominated for a decade. AFP, Sunday (16/1/2022).
“I will cooperate with the relevant authorities regarding my departure from this country. I hope we can all now focus on the games and tournaments that I love,” he added.
His supporters were silent outside the courtroom as the decision was announced.
Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke previously used his powers as Minister to cancel Djokovic’s visa, arguing that the Serbian’s presence risked fanning anti-vaccine sentiment.
This is the second time his visa has been revoked, after the first cancellation for not following the Covid-19 entry rules was canceled by a different judge.
Also read: This is Rafael Nadal’s Response to the Case of His Rival Visa, Novak Djokovic
During Sunday’s hearing before a three-judge panel, Djokovic’s defense failed to argue that the reasons given by the Australian Government were “invalid and illogical”.
Quoted from BCC, Sunday, Chief Justice James Allsop said Sunday’s federal court ruling was based on the validity and legality of a ministerial decision, not on the “benefit or discretion of that decision”.
The full reasons for the ruling will be announced in the coming days, he said.
This decision marks the end of Djokovic’s 10-day Australian visa saga.
There has been a lot of public anger in Australia over attempts by players to enter the country without being vaccinated.
Read also: Visa revoked again, Novak Djokovic will be detained by Australia
The federal government has repeatedly said that no one is above the strict rules that apply to contain the pandemic.
While Djokovic is not vaccinated and he has twice been infected with Covid-19, with the most recent positive test on 16 December 2021.
He was initially granted an exemption from entering Australia by two different independent health panels, one commissioned by Tennis Australia and the other by the state government of Victoria.
However, Australian Border Officers detained him on 5 January 2021 for not meeting federal coronavirus requirements.
A judge later overturned the decision, finding that border officials had neglected proper procedure when Djokovic arrived.
However, the government intervened on Friday (14/1/2022), to revoke Djokovic’s visa again.
Djokovic will then be substituted in Monday’s Australian Open match (17/1/2022) by Salvatore Caruso of Italy.
The world number 150 will face Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia.
In a statement, the world number 1 also wished the players, tournament officials, staff, volunteers and fans the best for the Australian Open.
Read also: Visa revoked again, Novak Djokovic cancels appearance at Australian Open
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