Djokovic out of the Australian Open after court rejects visa challenge

In a statement, Djokovic said he was “extremely disappointed” by the decision and would co-operate with authorities in relation to his departure from the country.

“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,” the statement added.

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

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke welcomed the court’s decision and emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining strong border policies.

Australia has previously had some of the toughest border policies in the world to keep out Covid-19. Hawke said those rules had kept Australians “safe” during the pandemic and were “fundamental” in “safe-guarding Australia’s social cohesion.”

“Australians have made great sacrifices to get to this point,” the statement said.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison echoed his message in a statement to the media.

“This cancellation decision was made on health, safety and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so. I welcome the decision to keep our borders strong and keep Australians safe,” he said.

“I thank the Court for their prompt attention to these issues and the patience of all involved as we have worked to resolve this issue. It’s now time to get on with the Australian Open and get back to enjoying tennis over the summer.”

Although Covid-19 cases are rising in Australia, the country has a high rate of vaccination and its death toll from Covid-19 remains relatively low compared to other countries.

Last week the country surpassed 1 million Covid cases over the entire pandemic — but more than half of those were in the last two weeks.

What happened in court

Sunday’s hastily convened Federal Court hearing considered whether Hawke’s decision to cancel Djokovic’s visa was “unreasonable.”

The 34-year-old Serbian tennis star challenged the immigration minister’s decision on three grounds, including that the minister failed to properly consider the consequences of canceling his visa.

Djokovic’s barrister Nick Wood said Hawke’s decision was “irrational” as the minister had failed to consider that the act itself could galvanize anti-vaxxers — the very thing the government wanted to prevent.

But Stephen Lloyd, the lawyer for Hawke, said under Australia’s Migration Law the minister didn’t need to prove Djokovic was a risk to public health, just that he “might” be.

He…