Tennis superstar, Novak Djokovic has lost a legal challenge against a decision to revoke his visa, forcing him to depart hours before the 10th Australian Open men’s singles title.
Gatekeepers News reports that Djokovic flew out of Australia on an Emirates flight to Dubai, putting an end to controversies and the backlash on his COVID vaccine exemption.
The court rejected Djokovic’s challenge to the decision of the Australian immigration minister, Alex Hawke, to cancel the visa.
Hawke had cancelled the visa on Friday on the basis Djokovic’s presence in Australia might risk “civil unrest” as he is a “talisman of anti-vaccination sentiment”.
On Sunday, Chief Justice James Allsop announced the court unanimously dismissed Djokovic’s application, with costs to be paid by the tennis star.
Allsop explained the decision of the court did not reflect on “the merits or wisdom of the decision” but rather whether it was so irrational as to be unlawful. Full reasons will follow at a later date.
Serbian tennis player had been scheduled to play Monday night in the Australian Open, where he had hoped to win a record-breaking 21st men’s grand slam title.
In a statement Djokovic said he was “extremely disappointed” with the ruling, acknowledging it meant he “cannot stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open”.
“I respect the court’s ruling and I will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country,” he said. “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.
“I would like to wish the players, tournament officials, staff, volunteers and fans all the best for the tournament.”
