If Novak Djokovic was rigid about not taking the COVID-19 jab, the Australian administration remained determined not to let him stay in the country without conforming to the anti-virus protocols.
On the eve of opening his Australian Open title defence, the World No. 1 tennis star is compelled to pack up and fly out of Melbourne, with deportation orders in hand. His unprecedented success run at the Melbourne Park comes to a screeching halt for non-sporting reasons.
Djokovic lost his legal battle to stay in the country and fight for a record 21st Slam. The Federal Court jury – comprising three judges – was unanimous in upholding the order of the Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke, who had used her special powers to cancel Djokovic’s visa.
That means the 34-year-old Serb is denied an opportunity to win the third successive Australian Open title for his 10 crown at the first Slam of the year and overall a record 21st major.
The three judges heard the case over five hours on Sunday and announced their verdict two hours later.
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Between the end of the hearing and the verdict, Tennis Australia, the tournament’s organizer, had announced that Djokovic was scheduled to play the last match on Monday at the Rod Laver Arena.
Djokovic is not vaccinated. Australian Government maintained that his presence could stir up anti-vaccine sentiments.
The Australian Open champion promised to cooperate with the authorities to complete formalities of his deportation. A disappointed Djokovic also said that he respected the court verdict.
“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,” he said in a statement.
“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 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.”
Meanwhile, Australian Open organisers have announced that 50th ranked Italian Salvatore Caruso will replace Djokovic in the main draw. The match had been moved to a smaller court. Now, third-seeded Alexander Zverev’s opening game against Daniel Altmaier was moved onto Rod Laver Arena.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has defended Australia’s tough border policies since news first emerged 10 days ago that Djokovic was in detention, saying at the time that “rules are rules” and that nobody was above the law.
Djokovic said he was “uncomfortable” that the focus had been on him since his visa was first cancelled on arrival at Melbourne’s airport on January 6.
“I hope that we can all now focus on the game and tournament I love,” he said.
Djokovic, who is not vaccinated for COVID-19, will remain in detention in Melbourne until he is deported. Deportation, according to media reports, usually occurs as soon as possible after an order unless prevented by court action. The government has not said when Djokovic will leave.
Djokovic might just not be able to return and play at the Australian Open again. A deportation order usually includes a three-year ban on returning to Australia.
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