Novak Djokovic Loses Visa Appeal, Deported From Australia

Novak Djokovic will not be defending his Australian Open title. 

On Sunday, the world’s number one tennis player lost his appeal to remain in Australia after his visa was canceled a second time on Friday due to his decision to remain unvaccinated. 

According to The Age — an Australian news outlet — Djokovic is being deported due to the risk that his “vaccine skepticism posed a risk to public health and good order of Australian society.’ 

“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,” Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in a statement.

“I welcome the decision to keep our borders strong and keep Australians safe.

The Age reports that Djokovic was deported Sunday evening on a flight to Dubai. 

“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 in a statement.

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

Following a successful appeal of the Australian government’s decision to initially revoke his visa, Djokovic had his visa canceled a second time on Friday.