Novak Djokovic deported from Australia after losing legal battle; Australian Open begins today
Tennis star Novak Djokovic was deported from Australia today after losing a last-ditch bid to stay in the country when its court upheld a government deportation order. Judges rejected a challenge launched by the unvaccinated tennis player after the government cancelled his visa on health and good order grounds.
The world number one lost his chance of defending his Australian Open title and winning a record 21st Grand Slam in Melbourne.
Djokovic is being replaced by little-known Italian Salvatore Caruso, who ranks Number 150 in the world, in tomorrow’s match with Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic in Men’s Singles.
Earlier in the day, three Federal Court judges sided with Immigration Minister Alex Hawke’s decision made on Friday to cancel Djokovic’s visa on public interest grounds. Djokovic in a statement has said that he was disappointed over the Australian Federal Court’s rejection of his deportation appeal.
Djokovic’s visa was canceled after arriving in the Australia, as he has not been vaccinated against coronavirus. This ensued a 10-day long court battle which came to end after today’s ruling.
Djokovic Out
It's official, Novak Djokovic has left Australia after being deported by federal authorities.
The World Tennis No. 1 lost his court battle to reinstate his visa just days out from the #AusOpen. pic.twitter.com/bky6Ab4bSk
— 10 News First (@10NewsFirst) January 16, 2022
