Novak Djokovic, tennis star, has lost his last court appeal to remain in Australia and will be deported.
After the government withdrew the visa of the unvaccinated player for the second time in this month, the judges rejected the appeal.
The decision ends the hopes of the 34-year old to defend his Australian Open title and win a record 21st Grand Slam.
He stated that he was “extremely disappointed”, but he respected the decision.
He stated in a statement that he would cooperate with all authorities regarding his departure from the country.
His first match was scheduled for Monday.
Djokovic was unsuccessfully represented by his defense during Sunday’s hearing before a three judge panel.
Djokovic is currently in Melbourne’s immigration detention facility. This is the same hotel where he was taken when his visa was first cancelled following his arrival on January 6.
The judge reversed that decision and found that the border officials had not followed proper procedure when he arrived. However, the government intervened last Friday to revoke the visa.
Djokovic tried to enter Australia without being vaccinated. There was a lot of anger in Australia.
The government repeatedly stated that everyone must follow the strict guidelines set up to combat the pandemic.
BBC
