‘I am extremely disappointed’ – Novak Djokovic issues statement ahead of deportation

Novak Djokovic has issued a statement saying he is ‘extremely disappointed’ to lose his fight against deportation from Australia.

The world number one was due to compete at the Australian Open but was dogged by a legal wrangle over his vaccination status from the moment he arrived.

Djokovic claimed a Covid-19 infection in December was the basis of the medical exemption he was granted to escape the vaccination requirement to enter Australia.

After winning his appeal to have his first visa cancellation quashed, Djokovic saw it cancelled again by an executive government order.

He unsuccessfully appealed that decision in the Federal court before releasing a brief statement to the press.

“I’d like to make a brief statement to address the outcomes of today’s Court hearing,” Djokovic said.

“I will now be taking some time to rest and to recuperate, before making any further comments beyond this.

“I am extremely disappointed with the ruling to dismiss my application for judicial review of the decision to cancel my visa, which means I cannot stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open.

“I respect the Court’s ruling and I’ll cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from Australia.

“I am uncomfortable that the focus of the past weeks has been on me and I hope that we can all now focus on the game and tournament I love.

“I would like to wish the players, tournament officials, staff, volunteers and fans all the best for the tournament.”

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