World No. 1 Novak Djokovic faces deportation after the Australian government revoked his visa for the second time.
Djokovic, arrived Australia on an exemption for covid-19 vaccination to participate in the Australian Open.
The Serb visa was cancelled by the government but the decision was overturned by the court.
Just before 6pm (7am UK time) on Friday, Hawke released a statement saying he had made the judgement to send Djokovic home “on health and good order grounds”.
Hawke said: “Today I exercised my power under section 133C(3) of the Migration Act to cancel the visa held by Mr Novak Djokovic on health and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so.
“The decision followed orders by the Federal Circuit and Family Court on 10 January 2022, quashing a prior cancellation decision on procedural fairness grounds.
“In making this decision, I carefully considered information provided to me by the Department of Home Affairs, the Australian Border Force and Mr Djokovic.
“The Morrison Government is firmly committed to protecting Australia’s borders, particularly in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I thank the officers of the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Border Force who work every day to serve Australia’s interests in increasingly challenging operational environments.”
There could yet be a further legal challenge from the world No 1 but, if not, his hopes of winning a 10th title at Melbourne Park and 21st Grand Slam crown are at an end.
Djokovic drew unseeded Serb Miomir Kecmanovic in the opening round of the Australian Open on Thursday.
Source: Skysports
