Djokovic Deported: Novak Djokovic to miss Australian Open

Djokovic to leave Australia within hours of losing his appeal

The verdict is in Novak Djokovic is out at the Australian Open. Late Saturday the final decision rendered. He was deported after judges upheld a decision by the immigration minister that the unvaccinated tennis star posed a threat to public health.

Djokovic needing to win an appeal to remain in the country. His status volley back and forth exempt not exempt, visa no visa, detained not detained. What's not changed is vaccination status. 

The 9 time Australian Open champion argued he entered the country on a medical exemption because he had recovered from Covid-19 last month.

His visa was cancelled by Australian border officials upon his arrival at the airport. Djokovic later won an appeal allowing him to stay in the country and practice until the court decided his fate. 

The Serbian tennis star flying to Dubai just hours after a three-judge panel ruled unanimously to uphold his second visa cancellation.

Novak Djokovic

Unable to play, the top-ranked player now facing potentially a 3 year ban into Australia. Prime Minister Scott Morrison praising the decision saying Australians expect the sacrifices they've made during the pandemic to be protected. 

Djokovic released a statement after the ruling saying he was extremely disappointed and adding, 

"I'm uncomfortable that the focus of the past few weeks has been on me and I hope that we can now all focus on the game and tournament I love," 

Djokovic said. 

Djokovic again was looking for his 4th straight Australian Open title, the 10th of his career and a record 21st Grand Slam title. 

Djokovic will miss the Australian Open for the first time since 2004 and a "Lucky Loser," a randomly selected player who lost in the final qualifying round of the tournament will replace Djokovic atop the men's bracket.