A three-judge panel of the Australian federal court on Sunday rejected Serb tennis player Novak Djokovic’s appeal against the cancellation of his visa for the second time in as many weeks.
Unvaccinated Djokovic, who was returned to the deportation centre on Saturday, will be deported and will not defend his Australian Open title.
The Serb has refused to have a Covid-19 jab.
He has recently recovered from the virus making him eligible for entry exemption into Australia, but inaccuracies on his visa application form were his downfall.
However, the judges did not give reasons for turning down Djokovic’s appeal. They will do so in writing in the next few days.
The move also means Djokovic likely faces a three-year ban on obtaining a new Australian visa – although this can be waived.
The 34-year-old has won 20 Grand Slams (major) titles, tied with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for most slams won in tennis history by male players.
Djokovic will not be able to compete to be the best of the rest when the Australia Open begins Monday.
Hours after the ruling, Djokovic was put on a plane to Dubai from where he will connect a flight home to Serbia.
