Novak Djokovic had hoped to play in Australian Open
The Novak Djokovic saga has taken another turn after his visa was cancelled by the Australian government.
The world number 1 tennis star had hoped to defend his Australian Open title.
However he has been at odds with authorities over his vaccination status.
Laws allow only vaccinated people from overseas enter the country, unless there is a medical exemption.
Djokovic initially had his visa cancelled by Australian Border Forces upon arrival in Melbourne last week.
However, that decision was overturned by a judge after Djokovic showed he had tested positive with COVID-19 on the 16th December.
Despite the ruling, Australia's immigration minister always had the option of cancelling the visa himself.
Today (Friday), minister Alex Hawke did just that.
BREAKING:
Alex Hawke, the Australian Minister for Immigration, has cancelled Novak Djokovic's Australian visa "on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so."
This is effectively a re-deportation order for the unvaccinated nine-time #AusOpen champion. pic.twitter.com/2P611AbUiw
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 14, 2022
Mr Hawke claimed he made the decision on "health and good order" grounds as well as in "public interest".
"In making this decision, I carefully considered information provided to me by the Department of Home Affairs, the Australian Border Force and Mr Djokovic," he said.
During the week, Djokovic admitted to carrying out a media interview in person on December 18th, two days after he tested positive.
He also admitted to a 'mistake' on his travel declaration form.
Djokovic also faces a three-year ban from Australia as a result of the decision, which he is expected to appeal.
The Australian Open is due to get underway on Monday, with Djokovic listed as the top seed for the tournament.
