World erupts as Novak Djokovic learns his fate over visa cancellation

The 20-time grand slam champion failed to overturn Immigration Minister Alex Hawke’s decision to cancel his visa.

The case was heard by a full bench of the Federal Court of Australia and, speaking on behalf of the full court, Chief Justice James Allsop handed down their orders on Sunday afternoon, less than 24 hours before the Australian Open gets underway.

The decision was unanimous, and full reasons will be published at a later date.

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Australians and tennis fans described the conclusion to the Djokovic saga as an embarrassing farce that reflects poorly on Australia and the federal government.

Journalist Monica Attard tweeted: “What an appalling state of affairs that the government can have and use blanket, god-like power to evict someone with whose views it disagrees.”

Newsreader Michelle Stephenson said: “What an absolute embarrassment for this country.”

Nick Kyrgios, who has been vocal in his support of Djokovic throughout the ordeal, expressed his disapproval at the court’s decision:

Many pointed out Djokovic could have avoided the entire controversy if he had been vaccinated in the first place.

The Australian’s Natasha Robinson said: “Imagine bringing this entire s***show upon yourself and denying yourself the chance to be the most decorated player in tennis history for the sake of not getting one tiny goddamn jab.”

The reaction from overseas was just as damning. Many believed Australia created the saga for itself by not having a hard-and-fast no-vax no-play policy.

Tennis commentator David Law said: “It could have been so simple. 1) Get vaccinated, Novak, like 97 of the other Top 100. 2) Have a rule that says you get vaccinated or you don’t play (unless your reason is so acute, and so beyond doubt that nobody sensible can dispute it).”

British journalist Dawn Neesom added: “So Australian Government said allowing Djokovic to play would make him an anti-vax hero. But by deporting him and potentially banning him for 3 years they’ve made him a martyr. What a mess.”

French tennis writer Carole Bouchard blasted the Australian government for its treatment of Djokovic, arguing the belief the world No. 1’s presence would encourage anti-vax sentiment was simply untrue.

“The way Djokovic has been treated since winning the first appeal is an utter disgrace,” Bouchard tweeted.

“He is not a threat to Australia. He didn’t come here to excite any unvaxxed movement whatsoever. They perfectly know it.

“Yet after a week of not being able to ensure they’d win on the basis of this exemption administrative mess, and also to avoid having to again say that yes the Australian authorities had created that process, they pick a procedure where you don’t even have to bring evidence of what you’re accusing the person of.

“He’s being deported for a sentiment he might create in others.

“The extremities they’ve gone to avoid losing face are shocking. But for a gov that has prevented its own people from returning to their country during a freaking pandemic, I guess nothing should be surprising anymore.

“Unreal twisting of the law here. Unreal treatment inflicted to their 9 time champion after all he did for the event and the city. Shameful. Dark ages all around.”

British media personality Piers Morgan lauded the decision to deport Djokovic, tweeting: “Covid rule cheat, immigration form liar, & anti-vaxxer icon Novak Djokovic loses final appeal against deportation & will be thrown out of Australia without being able to compete in Aus Open. Good.”

There was also a sense of relief among pundits that the Djokovic episode had been resolved before the Australian Open gets underway on Monday, so the spotlight will be on a fortnight of quality tennis.

On Friday, Alex Hawke made the call to deport Djokovic from Australia “on health and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so”. The Minster used his personal power to overturn a decision in the Federal Circuit Court on Monday that allowed the tennis star to remain in the country.

Djokovic was taken back to a detention hotel on Saturday after Mr Hawke said the tennis star’s opposition to getting the jab “may foster anti-vaccination sentiment” and cause “civil unrest”.

Not only could Djokovic encourage people to flout health rules, Hawke said, but his presence could lead to “civil unrest”.

With the Australian Open starting on Monday, Djokovic launched a last-ditch legal bid to keep his dream of winning a 21st grand slam title alive.

The case was heard by a full bench of the Federal Court of Australia, comprised of Chief Justice James Allsop, Justice Anthony Besanko and Justice David O’Callaghan.

After months of speculation about whether Djokovic would get vaccinated to play in Australia, he used a medical exemption to enter the country two weeks ago, hoping to challenge for a record 21st grand slam title at the Australian Open.

Many Australians — who have suffered prolonged lockdowns and border restrictions — believe Djokovic gamed the system to dodge vaccine entry requirements. Amid public outcry, Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s government revoked Djokovic’s visa on arrival.

But the government was humiliated when a judge reinstated Djokovic’s visa and allowed him to remain in the country.

— with AFP

Originally published as ‘What a mess’: World erupts as Novak Djokovic learns his fate over visa cancellation