Australia visa cancelled
Djokovic will not contest the verdict – his statement in full
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.
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. The tennis star said in a statement that he would not appeal the court decision.
“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.
He concludes by thanking his fans and supporters: “I’m uncomfortable that the focus has been on me for the last few weeks and I hope that now we can all focus on the game and tournament I love. I want the players , tournament officials, staff, volunteers and fans all the best for the tournament. Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends, team, supporters, fans and fellow Serbians for their continued support. They have all been a great source of strength to me. “
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”.
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.