Djokovic deported after federal court upholds cancellation of Australian visa after Covid controversy

An Australian court upheld a government decision to cancel Novak Djokovic’s visa on Sunday, ending the unvaccinated tennis superstar’s hopes of winning the Australian Open and racking up a record-breaking 21 men’s Grand Slam titles. 

Ruling on a case that has gripped Australia and the sporting world for more than a week, a three-judge Bench of the Federal Court heard government lawyers arguments that Djokovic’s continued presence risked whipping up anti-vaccination sentiment during Australia’s worst outbreak of Covid-19 since the pandemic began. 

A medical exemption that allowed the Serbian tennis world number one to enter the country without being vaccinated had sparked fury in Australia, and became a political issue for Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who has to call a federal election before May. 

That exemption prompted widespread anger in Australia, which has undergone some of the world’s toughest Covid-19 lockdowns and where more than 90% of adults are vaccinated. The government said recent infection alone did not meet its standards for an exemption. 

Djokovic ‘extremely disappointed’

Djokovic said in a statement that he was “extremely disappointed” with the decision to cancel his visa to enter Australia, but would respect it and cooperate with the authorities in relation to his departure from the country.

The Serbian champion said he hoped the focus would now return to tennis and the Australian Open Grand Slam, which starts in Melbourne on 17 January.

Djokovic had appealed Immigration Minister Alex Hawke’s decision to cancel his visa on the grounds that he was a threat to public order because his presence would encourage anti-vaccination sentiment amid Australia’s worst Covid-19 outbreak. 

“I will now be taking some time to rest and to recuperate, before making any further comments beyond this,” the 34-year-old said in a statement after the court dismissed his case.

“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. 

“I respect the court’s ruling and I will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country.” 

Djokovic, who is not vaccinated against Covid-19, was granted a medical exemption to compete at the Melbourne Park major, a tournament he has won nine times including the last three editions. 

His fate was finally decided after a rollercoaster 10 days that saw him detained by authorities, released and then detained again ahead of the Australian Open, which starts on Monday. 

Rafa Nadal, who is tied with Djokovic on 20 major titles, said “too many questions” still needed to be answered concerning the Serb’s bid to play the tournament, while other leading players lamented how Grand Slam tennis has been overshadowed by the saga. 

“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,” Djokovic said, while also thanking those that supported him.

“I would like to wish the players, tournament officials, staff, volunteers and fans all the best for the tournament.” 

Australian PM welcomes decision, Serbian president angry

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday welcomed the Federal Court ruling that upheld the cancellation of Djokovic’s visa, saying the decision will help “keep our borders strong and keep Australians safe”.

“It’s now time to get on with the Australian Open and get back to enjoying tennis over the summer,” Morrison said in a statement.

But Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić lashed out at Australian authorities Sunday morning, hours after the federal court paved the way for the deportation. 

“They think that they have by this, this mistreatment of ten days humiliated Djokovic, but they have humiliated themselves. Djokovic can return to his country with his head held high,” Vucic told a state media outlet.

“I spoke earlier to Novak Djokovic after the decision and I encouraged him. We look forward to seeing him return to his country, where he is always welcome.” 

Weeping fans

But the player also had some support, especially in his native Serbia and from Serbians living in Australia. 

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić said on Sunday: “I think that the court decision is scandalous, I am disappointed, I think it demonstrates how the rule of law is functioning or better to say not functioning in some other countries.” 

In Melbourne, around 70 Djokovic fans, including young children, sang folk songs and chanted in the Federal Court plaza while they waited for the court’s ruling. 

Supporters of Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic listen to the court decision handed down via a live stream outside Djokovic's lawyers' office in Melbourne, Australia, on 16 January 2022. (Photo: EPA-EFE / JAMES ROSS)