Novak Djokovic’s first words after losing court appeal – ‘Extremely disappointed’ | Tennis | Sport

Novak Djokovic has expressed his disappointment with the decision to uphold the cancellation of his visa ahead of next week’s Australian Open in Melbourne. The Serb will not play at this year’s tournament after losing his appeal against the previous ruling of Australia’s immigration minister Alex Hawke at a court hearing on Sunday morning.

Djokovic was detained shortly upon his arrival in Australia earlier this month after more detail was demanded with regards to his medical exemption to enter the country.

It was eventually ruled on Monday that his visa cancellation order would be immediately quashed and that he would be released from detention.

However, this verdict was overturned by Hawke on Friday to leave Djokovic’s fate hanging in the balance.

The world No 1’s last-ditch appeal was heard in court on Sunday morning but his complaints were unanimously thrown out by all three judges to end any lingering hopes of competing at the first Grand Slam of the new year.

Djokovic has since admitted that he is far from happy with the ruling that is expected to see him deported from the country over the next few days.

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“I’d like to make a brief statement to address the outcomes of today’s Court hearing,” said Djokovic in a statement as reported by The Age.

“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.

“I respect the Court’s ruling and I will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country.

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“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 tournament I love.

“I would like to wish the players, tournament officials, staff, volunteers and fans all the best for the tournament.

“Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends, team, supporters, fans and my fellow Serbians for your continued support. You have all been a great source of strength to me.”

Djokovic will now be forced to wait until the French Open in May for his next opportunity to clinch a record-breaking 21st career Grand Slam title.

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He is currently level with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the top of the all-time charts and has made no secret of his desire to end his career as the most decorated male player in the history of the sport.

Meanwhile, the ATP have reportedly announced that Salvatore Caruso will replace Djokovic in the main draw for the Australian Open, which is expected to get underway on Monday.

The world No 150, who was beaten by Taro Daniel in qualifying on Friday, is now set to face Miomir Kecmanovic for a place in the second round of the tournament.