Novak Djokovic deported: How entire Australian Open visa saga unfolded
''You are our champion'': deported Djokovic welcomed home to Serbia
''You are our champion'': deported Djokovic welcomed home to Serbia
Djokovic gets detained by Australian border officials
On January 05, Djokovic landed in Melbourne where he was denied entry into the country after being told that he didn't qualify for a medical exemption. His visa was cancelled and he was later sent into detention and was kept in isolation in an immigration hotel in Melbourne.
Djokovic spends Orthodox Christmas in immigration hotel
The Serbian tennis ace spent Orthodox Christmas in isolation in the Australian detention hotel with his family alleging he was kept in 'inhuman' conditions. Djokovic's legal team had meanwhile begun the process of legally challenging the government's decision to cancel his visa.
Djokovic wins court case, visa cancellation revoked
On January 10, in a virtual court hearing, an Australian federal court ordered Djokovic's release from detention and announced that his visa cancellation has been revoked. The tennis player was released and started preparing for the Australian Open. However, Australia's Immigration Minister Alexander Hawke said he would now consider exercising his personal powers to get the tennis star deported.
Djokovic accused of 'lying' in his travel declaration
The Serbian tennis star found himself in trouble once again after winning the court case as it came to light that he produced wrong information in his travel declaration form. In the form, Djokovic said he had not travelled anywhere in the 14-day period before heading to Australia when in reality, he had been to Spain and returned back to Serbia before heading Down Under. Pictures of him attending events also emerged when he was said to be infeted by COVID-19.
Djokovic issues clarification
The world no.1 male tennis player issued a clarification in the matter and claimed it was a 'human error' on the part of his agent, who filled the wrong information in his declaration form. The tennis star was also included in the Australian Open's draw while being confirmed as the top seed in men's singles.
Australia re-cancels Djokovic's visa
Australia's Immigration Minister Alex Hawke used discretionary powers to cancel Djokovic`s visa for a second time, citing risk to the general public in the country. Djokovic's legal team once again filed an appeal against the decision in the Federal court.
Djokovic loses appeal and leaves Australia
Just a day before the start of the Australian Open 2022, Djokovic lost the crucial appeal seeking to overturn the visa cancellation on January 16. A three-judge panel rules the decision in favour of the Australian government and dismisses the tennis player's appeal. Djokovic boards a flight to Dubai after expressing his disappointment and confirming that he is leaving Australia.
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