Djokovic deported from Australia
Novak Djokovic was banned from Australia on Sunday after losing a high-stakes court dispute over his coronavirus vaccination status, shattering his aim of completing a record 21st Grand Slam.
A "very disappointed" Djokovic left the country hours after a Federal Court unanimously upheld the denial of his visa on public order concerns.
According to an AFP correspondent on board, Emirates aircraft EK409 took off at 10:51 p.m. local time (1151 GMT).
The Serbian star disputed the judgment in court twice, winning one round but losing the second on Sunday.
"The court has ordered that the modified application be rejected with costs," Allsop stated.
"I can't remain in Australia and play in the Australian Open," he remarked on the eve of the tournament he has controlled for a decade.
The debate, though, appears certain to rage on, with Djokovic's image severely tainted and Australia feeding a growing reputation for being inhospitable to foreigners.
"I applaud the move to keep our borders secure and Australians safe."
Morrison, who is up for reelection this year, is unlikely to suffer a public backlash over the affair, even among those who disagree with his severe immigration policies.
It remains to be seen if the incident, which the ATP Tour described as "very unfortunate," would have an impact on Australia's claim to host what was formerly known as "The Happy Slam."
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was vehement in his condemnation of Australian officials.
Throughout the turmoil, Vucic has stayed unwavering in his support for his country's national hero, labeling the tennis star's earlier imprisonment a "political witch hunt."
Djokovic might now face a three-year ban from entering Australia, making it far more difficult for the experienced player to complete the elusive 21st Grand Slam.
The tennis star was diagnosed with Covid-19 in mid-December and, according to his own account, neglected to isolate despite knowing he was positive.
Djokovic declined to testify in the lawsuit to dispel the perception that he is anti-vaccine.
"If the record needed to be corrected, he could do so. He hasn't, and this has serious ramifications."
"The Australian Open is much more significant than any individual player," Nadal told reporters at Melbourne Park.