"Extremely disappointed": Novak Djokovic leaves Melbourne on Sunday evening
Novak Djokovic will fly out of Melbourne on Sunday evening after losing his court case.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Jan 16, 2022, 10:58 am
This is reported by the Australian newspapers The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald .
Accordingly, Djokovic will fly towards Dubai at 10:30 p.m. Australian time and leave the chapter of the Australian Open 2022 behind before it begins. Djokovic declared that he accepted the court's decision and that he would cooperate with the responsible authorities regarding his departure.
Djokovic said in a press release that he was "extremely disappointed" with the judgment of the Federal Supreme Court. He will now retire and rest, he continued to announce. "I'm uncomfortable having been the center of attention for the past few weeks and I hope we can all now focus on the game and the tournament I love. I want to thank the players, tournament officials, staff, volunteers and I wish the fans all the best for the tournament," Djokovic continued.
Unanimous decision against Djokovic
The decision about Djokovic's whereabouts in Australia was made shortly before 6 p.m. Australian time, the exact reasons should be given later. Judge James Allsop announced the three judges' verdict, which he said was unanimous.
Allsop made it clear that it was a matter of checking the minister's decision for its legality or the legality of the three reasons put forward. It therefore related to whether the decision was disproportionate or legally inappropriate.
Djokovic's lawyer had described Immigration Minister Alex Hawke's decision to revoke Djokovic's residence permit as irrational.
Among other things, Hawke had argued that Djokovic's whereabouts could encourage Australian opponents of vaccination and lead to unrest. In fact, there had already been a demonstration by Australian lateral thinkers in Melbourne Park on Saturday.
Djokovic's team had argued that expulsion could also heat up this mood.