Novak Djokovic
Serbian Tennis icon Novak Djokovic deported from Australia
Melbourne: Serbian Tennis legend Novak Djokovic was deported from Australia on Sunday after he lost his last attempt in the court to stay in the nation.
He was scheduled to play the Australian Open in the country.
Judges rejected a challenge launched by the unvaccinated tennis star after the government cancelled his visa on "health and good order" grounds, BBC reported.
With his deportation, Djokovic's hope of defending the Australian Open title was shattered.
Men's Tennis governing body ATP said in a statement: "Today's decision to uphold Novak Djokovic’s Australian visa cancellation marks the end of a deeply regrettable series of events. Ultimately, decisions of legal authorities regarding matters of public health must be respected. More time is required to take stock of the facts and to take the learnings from this situation."
Meanwhile, Djokovic departed on an Emirates flight from Melbourne on Sunday but his ultimate destination is not yet known, reports CNN.
In a statement, Djokovic said he was "extremely disappointed" by the decision and would co-operate with authorities in relation to his 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," the statement added as quoted by CNN.
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