Novak Djokovic's Visa Cancelation is Upheld Unanimously; Will Be Deported and Unable to Defend His Australian Open Title

(January 16, 2022) No. 1 Novak Djokovic will be unable to defend his Australian Open title. He lost his appeal to have his visa denial overturned unanimously on Sunday in Australia and will be deported.

Three Federal Court judges upheld a decision made on Friday by the immigration minister to cancel Djokovic’s visa on the grounds of public interest.

Initially, a border official cancelled his visa after deciding that he didn’t qualify for a medical exemption from Australia’s rules for unvaccinated visitors.

This is a developing news story which will be updated.

BREAKING | Novak Djokovic has lost his attempt to overturn his deportation, a Federal Court judge has announced. He will be required to leave Australia https://t.co/yuWy0paFTZ
— The Age Sport (@theagesport) January 16, 2022

Allsop: "To be clear this is not an appeal against the decision of the executive government, it is an application to the court as a separate arm of government. … to review the decision of the minister for the lawfulness or legality of the decision on the 3 grounds put forward."
— Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) January 16, 2022

Statement from Novak Djokovic:
"I'd like to make a brief statement to address the outcomes of today’s Court hearing. I will now be taking some time to rest and to recuperate, before making any further comments beyond this. I am extremely disappointed with the ruling" @theage
— Paul Sakkal (@paulsakkal) January 16, 2022

… to dismiss my application for judicial review of the 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'll cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from Aus
— Paul Sakkal (@paulsakkal) January 16, 2022

"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. I would like to wish the players, tournament officials, staff, volunteers and fans all the best for the tournament."
— Paul Sakkal (@paulsakkal) January 16, 2022

More to follow….

Djokovic’s Visa Revoked Again, Faces Deportation

Novak Djokovic Makes Statement on Social Media Noting Not Isolating After Getting Covid was an “Error”

Djokovic Legally Fighting Against Deportation from Australia