Multiple award winning Tenis player, Novak Djokovic has been deported by the government of Australia.
Djokovic said he was “extremely disappointed” by the ruling but respected it.
He released a statement shortly 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 because he is not vaccinated.
Djokovic, 34, has won a record nine Australian Open titles — including three in a row — but he won’t get the chance to try for a 10th this year. Hawke confirmed Sunday that Djokovic “has now departed Australia.”
“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,” Djokovic said in a statement.
“I respect the Court’s ruling and I will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country,” he added.
Djokovic said he was “uncomfortable” that the focus had been on him since his visa was first canceled on arrival at the Melbourne airport on Jan. 6.
Djokovic could potentially appeal to the High Court, but not in time for him to compete in the Australian tournament.
“I will now be taking some time to rest and to recuperate, before making any further comments beyond this,” he said.
Djokovic has won a total of 20 Grand Slam singles trophies, tied with rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for the most in the history of men’s tennis.
His absence means just one past champion is in the men’s bracket: 2009 winner Nadal, who will have the chance to claim a 21st Grand Slam title and break the tie with Djokovic and Federer, who is sidelined after a series of knee operations.
