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Tennis | Novak Djokovic deported from Australia

Novak Djokovic has been deported from Australia after losing his second visa appeal hearing.

Djokovic will not compete in the Australian Open after three Federal Court judges voted to uphold the Serbian tennis star's visa cancellation on public interest grounds.

Djokovic is due to fly home from Melbourne Airport on Sunday evening Australian time.

The 34-year-old, whose 'medical exemption' from COVID-19 vaccination led to his detainment in Melbourne last week, also faces a potential three-year ban from the country.

Djokovic has won the Australian Open a record nine times.

"I would like to make a brief statement to address the outcomes of today's court hearing," Djokovic said in a statement published by The Age.

"I will now be taking some time to rest and to recuperate, before making any further comments beyond this.

"I am extremely disappointed with the ruling to dismiss my application for judicial review of the minister's decision to cancel my visa, which means I cannot stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open.

"I respect the court's ruling and I'll cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my 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. I would like to wish the players, tournament officials, staff, volunteers and fans all the best for the tournament.

"Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends, team, supporters, fans and my fellow Serbians for your continued support. You have all been a great source of strength to me."

More to follow...

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