Politics defeats Novak Djokovic
Three-time defending Australian Open champion and world no. 1 Novak Djokovic will not be able to defend his title after being ordered out of the country less than 24-hours ahead of the Australian Open.
On Friday Immigration Minister Hawke had used his personal power to overturn a decision made on Monday in the Federal Circuit Court to allow Djokovic to stay in the country after he arrived in Australia and was taken to an immigration detention motel.
The case today was heard by a full bench of the Federal Court of Australia. Chief Justice James Allsop made the announcement earlier today.
The decision was unanimous and the full reasons will be published at a later date.
Djokovic was supposedly a threat to public safety due to him being linked to anti-vaccination groups.
World no. 1 Djokovic is pro-choice rather than anti-vaxxer.
A lucky loser will take the place of Djokovic in the draw. That goes to 150th-ranked Salvatore Caruso from Italy.