Novak Djokovic News: Serb faces deportation after Visa is cancelled for the second time
- Sean Fisher
- 14 January 2022
The world No.1 took part in Thursday's Australian Open draw, but the latest decision will see the Serbian deported from the country.
After a judge initially overturned the decision to have Novak Djokovic's visa cancelled on Monday, the Serbian star was let free and looked set to take part in this month's Australian Open.
But as the week progressed, rumours rumbled on of the Australian government exercising further powers to ensure Djokovic was deported and unable to compete.
That decision came on Friday morning, when the Immigration Minister Alex Hawke released a statement saying he had made the judgement to send Djokovic home "on health and good order grounds".
BREAKING:
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 14, 2022
Alex Hawke, the Australian Minister for Immigration, has cancelled Novak Djokovic's Australian visa "on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so."
This is effectively a re-deportation order for the unvaccinated nine-time #AusOpen champion. pic.twitter.com/2P611AbUiw
He added, "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.
"This decision followed orders by the Federal Circuit and Family Court on 10 January 2022, quashing a prior cancellation decision on procedural fairness grounds.
"In making this decision, I carefully considered information provided to me by the Department of Home Affairs, the Australian Border Force and Mr Djokovic.
"The Morrison Government is firmly committed to protecting Australia's borders, particularly in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic."
The news follows reports that Djokovic failed to fill out his visa application correctly, while it was also revealed that the 34-year-old had attended events just days after receiving a positive Covid-19 result.
With the reigning Australian Open champion now unable to defend his title, fifth seed Andrey Rublev is set to take up his spot in the tournament against Miomir Kecmanovic.
There could yet be a further legal challenge from Djokovic but, if not, his hopes of winning a 10th title at Melbourne Park and 21st grand slam crown are at an end.
