Novak Djokovic Deported From Australia

Novak Djokovic is deported after his visa to enter Australia was cancelled.

According to Sky Sports, the Serbian tennis star left Australia on Sunday (January 16) after judges ruled to uphold the government’s decision to end his visa.

Djokovic, who had entered the country to defend his title at the Australian Open, sparked controversy after it was revealed he was un-vaccinated. Though he was initially granted an exemption after contracting COVID in December, Immigration Minister Alex Hawk later intervened to cancel his visa, citing concerns that his entry could encourage anti-vaxxers.

The world number one was subsequently detained by authorities on January 6 after a court overruled the decision, but Djokovic was detained once more after the government stepped in to revoke his visa a second time. He was removed from the country following Sunday’s final court ruling.

Under Australian law Djokovic may not be granted another visa for three years, but Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison indicated that he could return sooner.

Responding to news of the court’s decision, the 34-year-old player 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 the tournament that I love.”

Also in doubt are Djokovic’s chances of defending his French Open title in May, after French Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu said that all athletes would need to be vaccinated in order to compete.

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