Djokovic deported after ‘defeat’

World No.1 Novak Djokovic leaves The Park hotel in Melbourne yesterday. Pic/Getty Images

An "extremely disappointed" Novak Djokovic flew out of Melbourne airport on Sunday after losing a court battle to avoid deportation from Australia over his stance on COVID-19 vaccinations.

An AFP reporter captured images of Djokovic at Melbourne's Tullamarine airport from where he took a 10:51 pm flight to Dubai. Hours earlier, three judges at the Federal Court had unanimously dismissed the unvaccinated Serbian superstar's last-gasp attempt to overturn the government's cancellation of his visa.

‘I respect court's ruling'

"I respect the court's ruling and will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country," World No.1 Djokovic, 34, said in a statement on the eve of the Australian Open.

In an 11-day battle over his lack of a Covid-19 vaccine that captured global attention, the tennis ace had his visa cancelled at Melbourne airport, reinstated on a procedural issue and then cancelled again by the government.

"I'm uncomfortable that the focus of the past weeks has been on me and hope 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. I will now be taking some time to rest and to recuperate," said Djokovic, the defending Australian Open champion, who was hoping to win the title for a 10th time and in the process becoming the first men's player ever to grab 21 Grand Slam titles.

Back home in Belgrade, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic lashed out at Australian authorities. "By this mistreatment of 10 days and humiliating Djokovic, they have humiliated themselves. Djokovic can return to his country with his head held high," Vucic told a state media outlet in the Serbian capital. The men's ATP Tour called the saga "a deeply regrettable series of events."

Caruso named replacement

Meanwhile, little-known Italian Salvatore Caruso, 29, who has never gone beyond the third round at the Australian Open, was named a late replacement for Djokovic. Caruso, 29, the lucky loser from qualifying is ranked 150th in the world, and was recently beaten in the semi-finals of a lower-tier tournament in Bendigo, outside Melbourne.

Finally, Djokovi's exit clears the way for Rafael Nadal to bid for his 21st Grand Slam title as the Australian Open begins today. World No.2 Daniil Medvedev is also among the favourites, as are Olympic champion Alexander Zverev and Greek World No.4 Stefanos Tsitsipas. "The Australian Open is much more important than any player. This will be a great Australian Open with or without him [Djokovic]," said Nadal.

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