Melbourne: Novak Djokovic’s visa appeal has been rejected by the Australian Federal Court on Sunday, which will see the World No. 1 tennis star deported prior to his appearance at the Australian Open 2022 starting tomorrow (Monday). 

Djokovic was waiting for the decision as the Australian Federal Court adjourned the hearing on Sunday afternoon. Djokovic's visa was  cancelled by Immigration Minister Alex Hawke.

The court panel, including Chief Justice James Allsop, Justice Anthony Besanko and Justice David O’Callaghan,reached the decision on the appeal filed by the player's lawyer. 

 "Rightly or wrongly" tennis star Novak Djokovic is perceived as endorsing anti-vaccination views -- and his presence in Australia could influence people, said lawyer Stephen Lloyd, who is acting for the government, reported CNN. 

As the Australian Open 2022 grand slam is to begin on Monday, Australia's Immigration Minister Alex Hawke had cancelled top-seeded tennis player Novak Djokovic’s visa.

Read: https://24x7liveindia.com/novak-djokovic-included-official-draw-for-australian-open-2022

Nine-time Australian Open champion Djokovic was included in the official draw for the Australian Open on Thursday. He was supposed to begin his title defence against compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic in the opening round of the year’s opening grand slam tournament. The confirmation came despite uncertainty over whether the government will cancel his visa for a second time.

Last week, Australia’s Federal Circuit Court has quashed the government’s decision to cancel the world number one tennis player's visa. The court has ordered the release of Djokovic from immigration detention immediately. 

However, the federal government’s counsel said that ministerial powers could be invoked to cancel Djokovic’s visa.  That would mean Djokovic, 34, could again face deportation and could miss the Australian Open, which starts on January 17. 

After arriving in Australia on January 5, the Serbian star told Australian Border Force agents he had tested positive for the virus on December 16 -- and said that he wasn't vaccinated against Covid-19.