Novak Djokovic ‘to remain silent’ until after Australian Open following deportation drama

Novak Djokovic will remain silent on his deportation from Australia until after the Australian Open, according to reports. On Sunday, a court ruled in favour of the country’s immigration minister, Alex Hawke, who revoked Djokovic’s visa ahead of the first Grand Slam of 2022. 

It concludes a lengthy saga, which the ATP lamented as ‘deeply regrettable’, and means that Djokovic will not be able to defend his title in Melbourne.  

The 34-year-old was initially granted a medical exemption to feature at the tournament as he is not vaccinated against COVID-19.  

However, upon landing Australia on Friday 7 January, Djokovic was detained in a state-run immigration facility and was told he would be deported.  

That stance was appealed with an Australian judge incredibly ruling in Djokovic’s favour. 

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But that was not the end of the matter. Immigration minister Hawke exercised his power to overrule the verdict and revoke Djokovic’s visa.  

On Sunday morning, the same judge, Anthony Kelly, ruled in favour of Hawke. Djokovic is now set to return home.  

The World No 1, whose situation has provoked fierce debate around attitudes to Covid, released a statement following the verdict.  

However, it has been reported that he will now remain silent until after the Australian Open. That is according to well-respected tennis journalist Sasa Olmo. 

“I respect the Court’s ruling and I will 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.”