BREAKING: Novak Djokovic out of Australian Open as deportation order is upheld

Novak Djokovic will not compete at the 2022 Australian Open after the Federal Court dismissed his appeal.

The world number one has been locked in a legal wrangle with the Australian government after his visa was revoked when attempting to enter the country.

It was reinstated on appeal, but an executive order by the minister of immigration cancelled it again on Friday night.

Djokovic immediately launched a legal challenge, asking the Federal Court to review the validity of that decision, but a panel of three judges has unanimously ruled against him.

That leaves him out of options and unable to defend the Australian Open title he won 12 months ago.

Minister of immigration Alex Hawke cancelled Djokovic’s visa on the grounds his presence in the country could fuel anti-vaccination groups in the country, and so deemed it in the national interest to deport him.

A three year ban from being granted a visa will also follow, but the court has said that may be “waived in the future.”

Djokovic was due to play in the opening round of the Australian Open on Monday, but will now be replaced in the draw by a lucky loser due to the order of play already being released.

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