MADRID, 16 One. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The ATP has assured that the absence of Serbian Novak Djokovic from the Australian Open, after confirming that he will be deported after his visa is canceled again, is “a loss” for tennis and the tournament, but has urged to respect “judicial decisions ” after the “deeply regrettable” events of recent weeks, and has once again “strongly” recommended that tennis players get vaccinated.
“Today’s decision to maintain the cancellation of Novak Djokovic’s Australian visa marks the end of a series of deeply regrettable events. Ultimately, the decisions of the judicial authorities in matters of public health must be respected. More time is required to make take stock of the facts and learn from this situation,” the organization said in a statement.
This Sunday, the Federal Court of Australia has rejected the final appeal filed by Djokovic to stay in the country, for which he will finally be deported and will not play the Australian Open, the first ‘Grand Slam’ of the season.
“Regardless of how it got to this point, Novak is one of the greatest champions in our sport and his absence from the Australian Open is a loss for tennis. We know how turbulent the last few days have been for Novak and how much who wanted to defend his title in Melbourne. We wish him the best and hope to see him back on track soon.”
Finally, the ATP stressed that it continues “strongly recommending vaccination to all tennis players.”