Novak Djokovic leaves Australia on Sunday after losing his final attempt to avoid deportation

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Novak Djokovic left Australia on Sunday evening after losing his final attempt to avoid deportation and play in the Australian Open in spite of being unvaccinated for COVID-19. A court earlier unanimously dismissed the No 1-ranked tennis player’s challenge to cancel his visa.

Djokovicsaid that he is “extremely disappointed” by the decision but respected it.

Djokovichas won a record nine Australian Open titles, including three in a row, but this time, he won’t even get the chance to try.

“I respect the Court’s ruling and I will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country,” Djokovic said in a statement.

Djokovic said that he is “uncomfortable” that the focus had been on him since his visa was first canceled 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.
Tennis Australia, said that it respects the decision of the Federal Court. “We look forward to a competitive and exciting Australian Open 2022 and wish all players the best of luck,” it said in a statement.

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