Novak Djokovic, who is currently ranked as the world's No. 1 tennis player was booted from the Australian Open on Sunday after a court dismissed his appeal against a deportation order, citing public interest.
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Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke had sought to revoke the 34-year-old Serb's visa on the basis that Djokovic's presence in Australia might spark "civil unrest" as he is a "talisman of anti-vaccination sentiment," The Guardian reported. Chief Justice James Allsop announced the court unanimously dismissed Djokovic's application and also ordered him to pay the costs of the proceedings.
The decision likely means that Djokovic, who is not vaccinated against COVID-19, will remain in detention in Melbourne until he is deported, ESPN said.
In a statement issued after the ruling, Djokovic said he was "extremely disappointed" by the court's decision and that he would be "taking some time to rest and to recuperate. ... I respect the Court's ruling and I will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country.
"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," he said.
