Tennis star Novak Djokovic was expelled from Australia after losing the last visa battle

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic is leaving the Park Hotel’s government detention center before attending a court hearing in his law firm’s office in Melbourne, Australia on Sunday. Photo: James Ross / EPA-EFE

Djokovic has won nine Australian Open championships, including the last three, aiming for a record 21st Grand Slam title. He is on par with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

After the hearing, Djokovic issued a statement expressing his “deep disappointment” with the court’s decision and he was later deported on an Emirates flight to Dubai. Sydney Morning Herald reported.

“I am extremely disappointed with the court’s decision to reject my application for a court decision to revoke my visa, which means I can’t stay in Australia to attend the Australian Open,” Djokovic said. “I respect the court’s decision and will cooperate with the relevant authorities regarding my departure.”

Djokovic, 34, also said he was “uncomfortable” that he had been the center of attention during a 10-day saga closely followed by those who both support and oppose vaccines, and said he “takes some time to rest and recover.”

“I hope we can all focus on the tournament I love now,” Djokovic said. “I want to wish the players, the tournament staff, the staff, the volunteers and the fans all the best for the tournament.”

Hawke confirmed Djokovic left Australia in a statement praising the court’s decision.

“I welcome today’s unanimous decision by the entire Australian Federal Court to support my decision to use my power under the Immigration Act to revoke Novak Djokovic’s visa in the public interest,” Hawke said.

“Australia’s strong border protection policy has kept us safe during the pandemic, leading to one of the lowest mortality rates, the strongest economic recovery and the highest vaccination rates.”

The televised consultation Djokovic’s lawyers asked for Sunday because of impending competition. It was held in front of a panel of three judges, which made the court’s decision binding, and tens of thousands of people around the world watched the live broadcast.

During the hearing, Djokovic’s attorney Nick Wood argued for a long time that Hawke had not considered the consequences of preventing Djokovic from competing by revoking his visa and that expelling his client from the country itself “could create an anti-vaccination feel.”

His attorneys also argued that Hawke could not have known Djokovic’s current views on vaccinations, despite earlier comments from a tennis star in April 2020 that he opposed “vaccination.” reports the BBC.

Hawke’s attorneys argued that Wood’s accusation that the Secretary of State had not considered the consequences of Djokovic’s deportation decision was controversial.

“The Commonwealth should not have to suffer the presence of an alien for fear of what might happen if they are removed, which is basically what the applicant’s case requires,” said Stephen Lloyd, a lawyer for Hawke’s board.

The Association of Tennis Professionals, the governing body of professional tennis, said in a statement after the decision that it “still strongly recommends vaccination for all players”.

“Today’s decision to keep Novak Djokovic’s visa revocation in Australia marks the end of a deeply unfortunate series of events. Ultimately, the decisions of the law enforcement authorities in public health matters must be respected,” the statement said.

“More time is needed to map out the facts and learn the situation. No matter how this point is reached, Novak is one of the biggest champions in our sport and his absence from the Australian Open is a loss to the game.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison reiterated Hawke’s comments in his statement after the verdict, saying he welcomed “the decision to keep our borders strong and keep Australians safe” and that “strong borders are the foundation of the Australian way of life, as is the rule of law.”

“Australians have made many sacrifices during this pandemic, and they rightly expect the outcome of those sacrifices to be protected,” Morrison said. During the pandemic, together we have achieved one of the lowest mortality rates, strongest economies and highest vaccination rates in the world.