The Melbourne court’s ruling is the culmination of a weeks-long row over Djokovic’s immigration status. The Serb has not been vaccinated against the corona virus, but wanted to participate in the first grand slam tournament of the year with a medical exemption, which starts on Monday.
The handling of the case lasted more than 5 hours, including a break. More than 85,000 people watched via a live stream on YouTube.
Vaccination
The top tennis player challenged the decision of Immigration Minister Alex Hawke in court, who decided on Friday to revoke Djokovic’s visa after the world’s number 1 was granted access to the country.
On arrival in Australia, Djokovic was stopped by customs last Thursday because he was unable to demonstrate why he had a ‘medical exemption’ from the strict entry rules. Djokovic was subsequently detained in a quarantine hotel.
It’s only the second time in 18 years that the 20-time Grand Slam winner, considered one of the greatest players of all time, has missed a Grand Slam tournament. Djokovic won the Australian Open last year.
