Melbourne, Australia - Novak Djokovic departed from Australia today after the final bid to avoid deportation and play in the Australian Open despite being unvaccinated against COVID-19 was dismissed by a court unanimously. The court upheld a government minister's decision to cancel his visa.
Djokovic said he was "extremely disappointed" by the ruling but respected it. He released a statement shortly after three Federal Court judges unanimously upheld a decision made Friday by Immigration Minister Alex Hawke to cancel Djokovic's visa on public interest grounds because he is not vaccinated.
Djokovic, 34, has won a record nine Australian Open titles, including three in a row, but this time won't get the chance to try. Hawke confirmed Sunday that Djokovic "has now departed Australia."
A masked Djokovic was photographed in a Melbourne airport lounge with two government officials in black uniforms. He left at approximately 11 p.m. local time on an Emirates flight to Dubai.
Djokovic said he was "uncomfortable" that the focus had been on him since his visa was first cancelled on arrival at the Melbourne airport on Jan. 6.
Chief Justice James Allsop said the ruling came down to whether the minister's decision was "irrational or legally unreasonable."
"Australia's strong border protection policies have kept us safe during the pandemic, resulting in one of the lowest death rates, strongest economic recoveries, and highest vaccination rates in the world, said Hawke.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison welcomed what he described as the "decision to keep our borders strong and keep Australians safe."
Djokovic could potentially appeal to the High Court, but not in time for him to compete in the Australian tournament.
Djokovic has won a total of 20 Grand Slam singles trophies, tied with rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for the most in the history of men's tennis.
Because Djokovic has withdrawn from the tournament after Monday's schedule was released, he has been replaced in the field by what's known as a "lucky loser", a player who loses in the qualifying tournament but gets into the main draw because of another player's exit before competition has started. That player is Italian Salvatore Caruso, who is ranked 150th in the world.
-ESPN