Visa finally cancelled
Djokovic accepts verdict – and leaves Australia for Dubai
Novak Djokovic says in a statement: “I am extremely disappointed with the court’s verdict”
© Tess Derry / Picture Alliance
Novak Djokovic will not appeal the court ruling that invalidated his Australia visa. The tennis star announced this in a statement and left Australia a few hours after the decision.
Novak Djokovic has lost the fight against his deportation from Australia. A day before the start of the Australian Open, a federal court in Melbourne on Sunday rejected Djokovic’s appeal against the withdrawal of his visa. A few hours after the verdict was announced, Djokovic left Australia. At 10:30 p.m. local time, he left the country on an Emirates plane. Dubai is his first destination. Federal agents escorted him and his team from the business lounge to the gate. Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke confirmed that Djokovoc has already left.
Novak Djokovic at Melbourne Airport before his departure
© MELL CHUN / AFP
Statement by Novak Djokovic
Earlier, Djokovic announced that he would not appeal the court decision, the tennis star said in a statement.
“I would like to make a brief statement about the results of today’s court hearing,” Djokovic begins his statement. “I will now take some time to rest and recover before commenting further.”
“I am extremely disappointed with the Court’s ruling to deny my application for judicial review of the Ministerial decision to annul my visa. This means I cannot remain in Australia and attend the Australian Open.”
It goes on to say: “I respect the court’s judgment and will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country,” Djokovic announced.
Novak Djokovic will not go to the High Court
The only option open to the Serbian player after the court decision would have been to apply to have his case heard by the High Court, Australia’s supreme judicial body. However, his team will not pursue the possibility, reports the Australian daily newspaper “The Age”.
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Prime Minister and Immigration Minister welcome verdict
Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke welcomed the Federal Court’s decision to unanimously reject Novak Djokovic’s attempt to reverse his visa revocation. The decision is consistent with a strong border policy, Hawke said.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison also commented on the ruling: “This cancellation decision was made for reasons of health, safety and good order, as this was in the public interest,” he said in a statement. “Strong borders are fundamental to the Australian way of life, as is the rule of law.”