World number one tennis star Novak Djokovic has once again see his visa cancelled for a second time in a row over his right to remain in the country unvaccinated.
The decision was taken be the Australia Immigration Minister Alex Hawke on “health and good order” grounds means he could be deported.
However, the 34-year-old Serbian can still launch another legal challenge to remain in Australia.
The men’s tennis number one was scheduled to play in the Australian Open, which begins on Monday.
“Today I exercised my power… 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 minister said in a statement.
The move also means Djokovic likely faces a three-year ban on obtaining a new Australian visa – although this can be waived.
The nine-time Australian Open winner was hoping to defend his title next week, which if he won, would make him the most successful male tennis player in history with a record 21 Grand Slam titles.
Djokovic’s visa was first revoked shortly after his arrival in Melbourne on 6 January, after Australian border Force officials said he had “failed to provide appropriate evidence” to receive a vaccine exemption.
Source: BBC Sports
