Lagatar24 Desk
Melbourne, Jan 16: Novak Djokovic said Sunday he is “extremely disappointed” by Australia’s decision to dismiss his application for judicial review of the cancellation of his visa. He further confirmed that he will not participate in the Australian Open and he would comply and leave the country.
Earlier, three judges at the Federal Court had unanimously dismissed the unvaccinated world number one men’s single player last-gasp attempt to overturn the government’s cancellation of his visa.
“I respect the Court’s ruling and I will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country,” said Djokovic in a statement on the eve of the Australian Open.
The tennis star’s visa was refused at Melbourne airport, reinstated on a procedural matter, and then cancelled again by the government after an 11-day dispute over his lack of a Covid-19 vaccine that drew worldwide attention.
He spent his first few nights in Australia in a renowned Melbourne detention centre, then walked free for several days after regaining his visa to train on the Australian Open’s courts, only to be recalled to custody.
“I will now be taking some time to rest and to recuperate, before making any further comments beyond this,” Djokovic said.
“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,” added Djokovic.
“Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends, team, supporters, fans and my fellow Serbians for your continued support. You have all been a great source of strength to me,” he further added.
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