Time.news – Novak Djokovic lost his game against the Australian government and was expelled from the country: a federal court made up of three judges unanimously rejected the appeal of the 34-year-old Serbian tennis player against the second cancellation of his visa decided by the Minister of Immigration. ‘Nole’ will also have to pay legal fees incurred by the Canberra executive.
Djokovic left the country on a direct flight to Dubai. The Emirates Airlines plane departed from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport at around 22:50 local time.
IThe number one in the world will not be able to participate in the Grand Slam who has already won nine times and risks not being able to set foot in the country for three years.
“Disappointed. I’ll rest”
Djokovic said to himself “extremely disappointed“from the ruling.” I will take some time to rest and recover before making further statements, “he explained.” I am extremely disappointed with the court’s decision to reject my visa cancellation review request which means I will not be able to stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open, “said Djokovic.
“I respect the court ruling and will collaborate with the authorities in relation to my departure from the country”, he added, “I am uneasy that he has been the center of attention in recent weeks and I hope that now we can all return to focus. about the sport and the tournament I love “.
Then a thought on the eve of the opening of the Australian Open: “I want to wish the players, tournament officials, staff, volunteers and fans the best for the tournament.” “Finally”, he concluded, “I want to thank my family, my friends, my team and my fellow Serbs for your continued support, you have given me great strength”.
The champion has already embarked on an Emirates flight that will take him to Dubai. The Serbian tennis player, who has become an icon of the world no-vax movement, was photographed at the airport and also in a lounge, waiting for his flight, surrounded by what appear to be Australian Federal Police officers.
The ruling on the appeal against the decision of Minister Alex Hawke was read in the courtroom by the president of the court, James Allsop. The reasons will be disclosed later. The Serbian tennis player’s legal team has not yet announced whether he will attempt a further appeal in extremis.
Djokovic had got it an exemption from the vaccination obligation to enter Australia claiming to have tested positive for Covid on December 16, but then admitted that in his entry form he had lied about his most recent moves.
In his place in the scoreboard the blue Salvatore Caruso is fished out who had been defeated in the qualifiers. The 29-year-old Sicilian is currently 150th in the world. Caruso had been defeated in qualifying by the Japanese Taro Daniel.
The ATP: “The epilogue of deplorable events”
“It is the conclusion of a series of deeply deplorable events”, commented in a note the ATP, the association that brings together professional male tennis players from all over the world.
“Novak is one of the greatest champions in our sport and his absence from the Australian Open is a defeat for the game. We know how turbulent the last few days have been for him and how much he wanted to defend his title in Melbourne. We wish him well and good. we can’t wait to see him back on the pitch soon. ” But the ATP “continues to strongly recommend vaccination to all players“.
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