Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic said this Sunday being “deeply disappointed with the decision” for the cancellation of his visa in Australia after losing his appeal in court to the Government’s decision. The Balkan athlete, who intended to defend his crown at the Australian Open in Melbourne from Monday, admitted in a statement that, due to the decision, he will not be able to participate in the tournament.
A room of judges of the Federal Court decided unanimously this Sunday that the cancellation of the tennis player’s visa by Immigration Minister Alex Hawke has a legal basis, and therefore Djokovic will be deported. The Serbian, held in a hotel since Saturday, asked in his letter for time to “rest and recover” before making further comments, noting that he “respects” the decision of the Australian justice system after “cooperating” with the authorities.
Djokovic statement
“Unfortunately during the last few weeks the focus (of interest) It was me and I hope (now) we can focus on the sport and the tournament that I love.” Djokovic said as he wished the participants luck and thanked his family and fans for their support. The Serbian was scheduled to make his debut this Monday on the central court Rod Laver Arena, a stage that saw him crown the ‘major aussie’ up to nine times, against his compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic, but after the court decision the organization of the event will have to replace the current ATP number one tennis player.
“I can’t stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open: I respect the court’s ruling and will cooperate with the proper authorities. I would like to wish the players, tournament officials, staff, volunteers and the fans all the best for this edition. Finally, I would like to thank my family, my friends, my team, the fans, the fans and my teammates. Serbs for their continued support. All of you have been a great source of strength for me,” added the Serb.
Djokovic traveled to Melbourne on January 5 with a medical exemption for not being vaccinated, having recently been infected with covid-19, although upon arrival the Immigration authorities canceled his visa and detained him until his release last Monday by court order, considering that he was not treated “equally”. The tennis player was arrested again this Saturday after the new cancellation of his visa and is isolated in the Park hotel in Melbourne before his deportation, of which it has not transpired when it will happen.