Men’s tennis world number 1 Novak Djokovic has lost his legal battle to play at the Australian Open. An Australian court revoked Djokovic’s visa, citing health and public order.
Djokovic said he accepted the decision but was disappointed.
After the decision, Djokovic left the country by boarding a plane at the airport in Melbourne.
Djokovic applied to court after Immigration Minister Alex Hawke used his authority to revoke his visa. Minister Hawke stated that Djokovic could be a threat to public order and that his presence in the country could encourage anti-vaccine ideas.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison welcomed the decision, saying it would help protect the country’s borders and keep Australians safe.
Djokovic, who was stated that he did not have a Corona vaccine, was granted a health exemption and a visa, as he caught the Corona virus on 16 December before the tournament. Australia requires everyone who wishes to visit the country to be vaccinated. The exemption was organized through the Australian Tennis Federation.
However, this exemption drew quite a reaction in the country.
Djokovic’s visa was canceled by the authorities at the airport before he entered the country. Djokovic objected to the situation. After the first objection, the judge invalidated Djokovic’s visa cancellation at the airport.
After that, Novak Djokovic started preparing for the tournament. However, Immigration Minister Alex Hawke’s use of his authority to cancel his visa changed the course of events.
The ATP, the governing body of men’s tennis, noted that the decision meant the end of a series of sad events. In the ATP statement, it was also emphasized that the decisions taken by the legal authorities on public health should be respected.
The Australian Tennis Federation also declared that it respects the decision.
There is a reaction against the decision from Djokovic’s country, Serbia.
Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic described the court decision as scandalous.
Djokovic has won the Australian Open 9 times. The tournament starts on January 17.