Novak Djokovic has unanimously lost his appeal in the Federal Court, and his visa has been cancelled.
The 34-year-old will now be deported and miss the upcoming Australian Open, despite being drawn to play in the first round by tournament organisers.
The case was heard in front of the full bench of the Federal Court on Sunday with three judges on hand to make the final decision.
BREAKING: NOVAK DJOKOVIC v MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION
— Samantha Maiden (@samanthamaiden) January 16, 2022
Federal Court DISMISSES Djokovic application with costs against him. Upholds Minister's decision to deport him. He pays government costs.
BREAKING: Novak Djokovic has lost his bid to remain in Australia and defend his Australian Open title. The Serbian must return home and could never play at Melbourne again #Djokovic
— Jamie Pandaram (@JamiePandaram) January 16, 2022
#Breaking Novak Djokovic has LOST his Federal Court Case. The decision was unanimous.
— Karen Sweeney (@karenlsweeney) January 16, 2022
Written reasons to follow in the coming days.
Immigration minister Alex Hawke's decision to revoke Djokovic's visa was argued based around the Serbian's COVID-19 vaccination status and views which they believe could incite anti-vax sentiment in Australia.
Djokovic's defence countered that there was a lack of evidence to support such claims, while also suggesting his deportation could spark greater public outcry.
The hearing began at 9.30am (AEDT) and didn't finish until 5.55pm on Sunday evening.
Djokovic released a statement on Sunday night responding to the decision.
What an innings for Mark Wood 👏 Australia leads by 271 runs as England step up to bat!
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) January 16, 2022
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Djokovic had his visa cancelled twice over the past fortnight after his medical exemption to enter Australia without being vaccinated was overturned.
The whole saga has dominated the news cycle leading up to the Australian Open with Nick Kyrgios siding with Djokovic, while the likes of Rafael Nadal and Stefanos Tsitsipas were more critical.
Djokovic has won the Australian Open a record nine times and is currently tied with Nadal and Roger Federer on 20 men's singles grand slam titles.
