Australian Open 2022: Novak Djokovic returned after ‘losing’ from Australia, expressed heartache on the way

Novak Djokovic’s visa was canceled twice by Australia and the second time he could not get relief from the court. (Photo: AFP)

Australian Open 2022 (Australian Open 2022) The tournament starts on Monday, January 17, but even before reaching the first round of the first Grand Slam of the year, defending champion and world number one Novak Djokovic. (Novak Djokovic) Had to look for a way out. Not just from the tournament, but from Australia. On Sunday 16 January, 20-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic returned to his home country of Serbia after his appeal against visa cancellation was rejected in an Australian court. In this way, his wait increased to win the 10th Australian Open and the record 21st Grand Slam title. Djokovic also expressed his grief on the way after the ‘loss’ at the hands of Australian rules and expressed hope that now everyone will be able to focus on the tournament.

Djokovic was embroiled in controversies when he arrived in Australia while obtaining a medical exemption for not being vaccinated. Upon arrival in Melbourne, the Australian government revoked the visa on 6 January and was then placed under house arrest due to providing the correct documents. Djokovic appealed to the court and was relieved from there on January 10. As soon as it became clear that he could play in the tournament, Australia’s immigration minister revoked the visa on 14 January citing ‘public interest’, after which on 16 January the court also approved it and Djokovic was expelled from the country. ordered to be sent back.

Djokovic spoke on the decision of the Australian court

Djokovic finally conceded “defeat” even as his last hope was gone and expressed his disappointment that his hopes of playing at the Australian Open were over. After the decision of the Federal Court of Australia, Djokovic issued a statement saying, “Extremely disappointed with the court’s decision to dismiss my appeal for judicial review of the minister’s decision to cancel the visa. This means that I cannot live in Australia and cannot participate in the Australian Open.

Hope everyone’s attention will be on the game

In this statement issued before returning from Australia, Djokovic said that he would cooperate with the authorities and hoped that now everyone’s attention will be on the tournament. The world number one said, “I respect the court’s decision and will cooperate with the authorities to return from the country. I hope now everyone’s attention will be focused on the sport and tournament that I love very much.”

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