After a judge upheld a visa cancellation, the Serbian tennis star boarded a flight to Dubai. His refusal to be vaccinated against the coronavirus, according to authorities, posed a risk to the Australian population.
Novak Djokovic flew from Melbourne to Dubai on Sunday evening, just hours after Australia’s Federal Court dismissed his last-ditch appeal against a deportation order on the eve of the Australian Open.
Djokovic said he was “very upset by the verdict to dismiss my appeal for judicial review of the… decision to cancel my visa, which means I cannot stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open” in a statement released following the court’s decision.
Djokovic has won the Australian Open nine times and was aiming for a record 21st major championship.
His visa, however, was revoked once he arrived in Australia because he had not been inoculated against the coronavirus.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison welcomed Sunday’s ruling, saying in a statement 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.
