The ATP (Professional Tennis Association) described the deportation of Novak Djokovic by the Australian government as “the end of a series of deeply sad events” , considers the Serbian player “one of our greatest champions” and warns that “the decisions of the legal authorities in matters of public health must be respected”.
Djokovic lost this Sunday in an Australian court the appeal against the Government’s decision to revoke his visa for the second time, so he will be deported and will not be able to defend his title at the Australian Open.
“Today’s decision to maintain the cancellation of Novak Djokovic’s visa in Australia, marks the end of a series of deeply sad events. Ultimately, the decisions of the legal authorities in public health matters must be respected. More time is required to take stock of the facts and learn from this situation”, says the ATP in an official statement.
In this sense, he added: “Regardless of how has reached this point. Novak is one of our greatest champions and his absence from the Australian Open is a loss for our sport. We know how hectic the last few days have been for Novak, and how much he wanted to defend his title in Melbourne. We wish him the best and We hope to see you soon, again, on the track”.
Finally, the ATP continues to recommend “strongly the vaccination of all players”.
According to the law, Djokovic also faces a ban from returning to the country for three years , subject to certain exceptions, which may include “compelling circumstances affecting Australia’s interests”.