Tennis world No. 1 Novak Djokovic said he was “extremely disappointed” by Australia’s decision to deport him over his coronavirus vaccination status, but said he would comply and leave the country.
Djokovic released a statement on January 16, shortly after three Federal Court judges unanimously upheld a decision made by Immigration Minister Alex Hawke to cancel the 34-year-old Serb’s visa on public interest grounds because he is not vaccinated for COVID-19.
“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,” Djokovic said.
The ruling dashes the nine-time Australian Open champion’s hopes of defending his title. He was scheduled to play in the main stadium at night on the first day of the tournament, which begins on January 17. Australian Open organizers declined immediate comment on the court’s decision.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison welcomed the court ruling, saying “this cancellation decision was made on health, safety, and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so.”
It was not immediately clear when the government would seek to remove Djokovic.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said he had spoken to Djokovic after the court ruling was announced. Djokovic is hugely popular in his home country.
“I spoke to Djokovic and told him we cannot wait to see him,” Vucic told reporters. “I told him he is always welcome in Serbia.”
Djokovic was trying to use a medical exemption to get around the requirements that everyone at the Australian Open — players, their support teams, spectators, and others — be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Djokovic said he was “uncomfortable” that the focus had been on him since his visa originally was canceled by border officials after his flight arrived in Melbourne on January 6.
That decision was overturned by a judge on procedural grounds on January 10.
Hawke admitted that Djokovic is at “negligible” risk of infecting Australians but argued his past “disregard” for COVID-19 regulations posed a risk to public health and discouraged people from getting boosters just as the country experiences an increase in omicron infections.
Djokovic has won a total of 20 Grand Slam singles trophies, tied with rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for the most in the history of men’s tennis.
