Djokovic leaving Australia after court dismisses deportation appeal

Serbian tennis superstar Novak Djokovic lost his chance to play at the Australian Open as the Australian court dismissed his appeal against the deportation order, according to local media on Sunday.

The Federal Court with a three-judge panel ruled unanimously against Djokovic on Sunday, after hearing his case, according to Australian ABC News.

Djokovic was detained Saturday after Australian officials canceled his visa for a second time.

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke on Friday said: “Today I exercised my power under section 133C(3) of the Migration Act to cancel the visa held by Mr Novak Djokovic on health and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so.”

On Jan. 4, Djokovic said he had been granted a medical exemption from being vaccinated for the coronavirus, but after his arrival, the Australian Border Force canceled his visa for failing to meet COVID-19 entry requirements.

After he was sent to an immigration detention hotel in Melbourne, a federal court ordered his release.

Australia mandates all players be fully vaccinated for the coronavirus to compete in the year’s first major tennis tournament.

Djokovic was included Thursday in the official draw for the tournament.