Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic He said this Sunday that he was “deeply disappointed” by the cancellation of his visa in Australia after losing his appeal in court to the government’s decision.
The Balkan athlete, who intended to defend his crown in the Australian Open which is disputed in Melbourne, admitted through a statement that, due to the decision, will not be able to participate in the tournament.
A room of judges of the Federal Court decided unanimously this Sunday that the cancellation of the tennis player’s visa by Immigration Minister Alex Hawke has a legal basis, and therefore Djokovic will be deported.
The Serb, confined since Saturday in a hotel, requested in his letter a time to “rest and recuperate” before making further comments noting that he “respects” the decision of the Australian justice system after “cooperating” with the authorities.
“Unfortunately for the last few weeks the focus (of interest) has been on me and I hope that (now) we can focus on the sport and the tournament that I love,” said Djokovic, wishing the participants luck and thanking his family for their support and followers.
The Serbian was scheduled to make his debut this Monday at the Rod Laver Arena center court, a stage that saw him crown the ‘major aussie’ up to nine times, against his compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic, but after the judicial decision, the organization of the event will have to replace the current number one tennis player in the ATP.
Djokovic traveled to Melbourne on January 5 with a medical exemption for not being vaccinated, having recently been infected with covid-19, although upon arrival the Immigration authorities canceled his visa and detained him until his release last Monday for a court order considering that he was not treated “fairly”.
The tennis player was arrested again this Saturday after the new cancellation of his visa and is isolated in the Park hotel in Melbourne before his deportation, which has not transpired when it will happen.
.
