Australian Open 2022: Novak Djokovic loses court appeal

Judge rejects Novak Djokovic‘s last-minute appeal to remain in Australia. The attempt to overturn his deportation has fallen flat and the Serbian world number 1 star has to leave Australia, following a unanimous decision from the Australian federal court. Further, Djokovic has been instructed to pay legal costs. 

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While Djokovic’s lawyers have asked for time to reflect on the decision and the court is due to return in half an hour. However, Djokovic’s lawyers have indicated that they’ll not take any further action to impede the deportation process. 

Meanwhile, the Australian Open revealed their order of play for January 17, and Djokovic is listed for the night session of Round 1 of the men’s singles. He was scheduled to go up against fellow Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic, on Monday, at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.

With his departure, ATP Tour has announced that 150th ranked Salvatore Caruso will replace him in the tournament. 

Djokovic, who has 20 Grand Slam titles under his belt, including nine Australian Opens, was looking to surpass tennis greats Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, in this tournament, by clinching his 21st win. However, Djokovic was detained by authorities after he failed to show a vaccination certificate upon arrival in Australia.

Also Read: Did Novak Djokovic lie on his travel form? Australia launches investigation

Initially, his visa cancellation had been overturned by a circuit court judge, but government lawyers had warned Djokovic that Alex Hawke, the Australian Minister of Immigration could still exercise his individual power to cancel his visa. After some deliberation, Hawke reached this decision. While Djokovic’s lawyers were quick to contest Hawke’s decision in court, legal analysts and political experts expressed the opinion that it was unlikely that a court would overturn an elected minister’s decision.

Now, as per the law, Djokovic cannot get an Australian visa for the next three years. This could mean that the tennis star would be unable to participate in the Australian Open through 2025.