Novak Djokovic, ranked as the world’s No. 1 tennis player, has lost his final legal battle to stay in Australia and play in the Australian Open.
He has been deported and has already left the country.Djokovic’s legal troubles stemmed from being unvaccinated against Covid-19, which is strictly monitored under Australia’s strict pandemic rules.
A court unanimously dismissed Djokovic’s challenge of a government minister’s decision to cancel his visa.After the ruling, Djokovic said he was “extremely disappointed” but respected the decision.
He released his statement after three Federal Court judges unanimously upheld a decision made Friday by Immigration Minister Alex Hawke to cancel Djokovic’s visa on public interest grounds.His removal means that the player with the most Australian Open wins (Djokovic has nine, including three in a row) won’t be able to try for a 10th.
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