The ATP mentioned the saga surrounding Novak Djokovic’s Australian visa cancellation was was ‘deeply regrettable’ and that his absence from the Australian Open was ‘a loss for our sport.’
The world No1 is awaiting deportation from Australia, after his bid to revive his visa was dismissed by the nation’s federal courtroom early on Sunday.
Earlier this week, Alex Hawke, Australia’s immigration minister, had cancelled Djokovic’s visa arguing the Serbian was ‘a talisman of anti-vaccination sentiment’ and his presence in Australia may spark ‘civil unrest’.
Novak Djokovic won’t compete on the Australian Open after his visa was cancelled
Djokovic will not be vaccinated and attorneys for the federal government argued that the Serb’s repeated ignorance of Covid security measures – together with failing to isolate whereas Covid optimistic – was proof sufficient of his views.
‘He is chosen not to enter proof on this continuing. He may set the document straight if it wanted correcting. He has not – that has necessary penalties,’ the federal government mentioned in a written submission.
In a final ditch-attempt to be allowed to stay within the nation, Djokovic’s authorized group appealed to the federal courtroom.
Nevertheless, on Sunday Chief Justice James Allsop introduced the courtroom unanimously dismissed Djokovic’s utility.
Djokovic arrived in Melbourne on January 5 after being granted a visa on November 18
The world No1 mentioned he revered the courtroom’s resolution to deport him from Australia
‘At this time’s resolution to uphold Novak Djokovic’s Australian visa cancellation marks the top of a deeply regrettable collection of occasions,’ the ATP mentioned in an announcement.
It added: ‘Regardless of how this level has been reached, Novak is one in all our sport’s best champions and his absence from the Australian Open is a loss for the sport.’
The ATP mentioned it additionally ‘strongly suggest vaccination to all gamers.’
Talking after the choice, Djokovic mentioned: ‘I want to make a quick assertion to handle the outcomes of at the moment’s Court docket listening to. I’ll now be taking a while to relaxation and recuperate, earlier than making any additional feedback past this.
Djokovic was chasing a document twenty first Grand Slam title on the Australian Open
The Serb triumphed at Melbourne Park for the ninth time in his profession final yr
‘I’m extraordinarily upset with the Court docket ruling to dismiss my utility for judicial overview of the Minister’s resolution to cancel my visa, which implies I can’t keep in Australia and take part within the Australian Open.
‘I respect the Court docket’s ruling and I’ll cooperate with the related authorities in relation to my departure from the nation.’
The federal courtroom’s ruling marks the top of a chaotic 12-day saga which noticed Djokovic have his visa cancelled by Australian Border Power (ABF), restored by a federal circuit courtroom and in the end cancelled once more by Hawke.
Djokovic arrived in Melbourne on January 5, believing a visa granted on November 18 and a medical exemption authorized by Tennis Australia and a Victorian authorities unbiased panel would enable him to enter the nation.
Djokovic will be unable to compete for a record-breaking twenty first Grand Slam title this month
Nevertheless, his visa was cancelled upon arrival at Melbourne airport by ABF officers and he was taken to a detention lodge.
On Monday, his visa was restored after a federal circuit courtroom choose dominated the ABF couldn’t renege on his promise, just for Hawke to cancel it once more 4 days later.
It means the 34-year-old will be unable to defend his Australian Open title and his quest for a document twenty first Grand Slam crown should wait till the French Open at the least.
Crucially, he additionally faces a three-year ban from coming into Australia, which dramatically shortens the percentages of him profitable at Melbourne Park once more.