Novak Djokovic’s court hearing on Sunday brings to an end a ‘deeply regrettable’ saga, the ATP have said in a strong statement. The World No 1 has had his visa revoked and is set to be deported from Australia following a week-long debacle.
Djokovic was initially granted a medical exemption to compete at this month’s Australian Open as he is not vaccinated against COVID-19.
However, upon landing in Melbourne on Friday January 7, he was detained in a state-run immigration facility and was threatened with deportation by Australian Border Force.
That was successfully appealed but immigration minister Alex Hawke exercised his power to overrule a judge’s verdict.
Now, Djokovic has lost his appeal against Hawke’s decision and is set to be deported from Australia.
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The ATP has broken its silence on the saga, which has prompted strong debate over attitudes towards COVID-19.
It has also urged players to get vaccinated against the virus.
“Today’s decision to uphold Novak Djokovic’s Australian visa cancellation marks the end of a deeply regrettable series of events,” the statement reads.
“Ultimately, decisions of legal authorities regarding matters of public health must be respected.
Djokovic was preparing to compete for a 10th Australian Open title but will now need to wait at least another year.
An excerpt of a statement released by the 34-year-old on Monday said: “I’d like to make a brief statement to address the outcomes of today’s Court hearing.
“I will now be taking some time to rest and to recuperate, before making any further comments beyond this.
“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.”
Read the full statement here.
