Australian Open 2022: Novak Djokovic out, mixed reactions pour in

After a long-drawn tussle between the Australian government and Serbian tennis star, Novak Djokovic‘s team of lawyers, the world number 1 witnesses his appeal to remain in Australia overturned. Djokovic has released a statement, and Twitter is in shock over the turn of events. 

The tennis star will not be a part of the Australian Open 2022 and is to be deported, following an executive decision from the Minister of Immigration Alex Hawke, which was today upheld by the federal court in Sydney. 

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Djokovic’s said –

I would like to make a brief statement to address the outcomes of today’s Court hearing.

I will now be taking some time to rest and to recuperate, before making any further comments beyond this.

I am extremely disappointed with the Court ruling to dismiss my application for judicial review of the Minister’s decision to cancel my visa, which means I cannot stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open.

I respect the Court’s ruling and I will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country.

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.

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I would like to wish 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 my fellow Serbians for your continued support. You have all been a great source of strength to me.

Australian tennis star Nicholas Kyrgios reacted to the news with a facepalm. 

Other reactions have drawn light to the way the Australian immigration system functions. 

Alize Cornet, France’s top tennis player also spoke out in support of the Serb. 

Former Australian tennis star, Rennae Stubbs has hailed the incident as a sad day for tennis. 

Others have also spoken up about how the government’s decision does not sit right, because they didn’t like public opinions. 

Canadian pro, Vasek Pospisil, has placed the entire blame on the Australian government for not taking a proper stance beforehand. 

Also, Jamie Hampton, the former American tennis pro has stated that there’s not much hand wringing needed over Djokovic’s deportation, due to his cemented stature in the tennis world, and the high possibility of him being exempted from the three-year visa ban.