By: EFE
The ATP (Professional Tennis Association) described the deportation of Novak Djokovic by the Australian government as “ the end of a series of deeply sad events“, considers the Serbian player “one of our greatest champions” and warns that “the decisions of the legal authorities in matters of public health must be respected”.
Djokovic lost this Sunday in an Australian court the appeal against the government’s decision to revoke his visa for the second time so he will be deported and will not be able to defend his title at the Australian Open.
🚨 Novak Djokovic, world No. 1 and nine-time champion of the #AusOpen, he will be deported and will not play the tournament. The Australian justice ruled against the Serbian.
A lucky loser will take his place in the main draw. pic.twitter.com/TnNXAsyUj7
— ESPN Tennis (@ESPNtenis) January 14, 2022
“The decision that has been made today to maintaining the cancellation of Novak Djokovic’s visa in Australia marks the end of a series of deeply sad events. Ultimately, the decisions of the legal authorities in matters of public health must be respected . More time is required to take stock of the facts and learn from this situation”, says the ATP in an official statement.
“Regardless of how this point has been reached”, he adds , “Novak is one of our greatest champions and his absence from the Australian Open is a loss for our sport . We know how hectic the last few days have been for Novak and how badly he wanted to defend his title in Melbourne. We wish him the best and hope to see him back on track soon”.
Finally, the ATP continues to recommend “ strongly the vaccination of all players“.
According to the law, Djokovic faces in addition to a ban on returning to the country for three years, subject to certain exceptions, which may include “compelling circumstances affecting Australia’s interests”.
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Novak Djokovic, almost invincible on the court, loses the appeal and is out of the Australian Open
Novak Djokovic is waiting impatiently to know if he will be deported from Australia this Sunday