Novak Djokovic on flight back to Serbia

Novak Djokovic has boarded an Emirates flight to Serbia after his bid to stay in Australia failed, when a Federal Court upheld a government decision to deport the world number one because of his anti-vaccination stance. The tennis star has been embroiled in a lengthy saga over his right to stay in the country to compete in the Australian Open, which is due to begin on Monday. Mr Djokovic, who is unvaccinated, arrived in Australia with an exemption from the vaccination requirement approved by the Victorian government and Tennis Australia, which granted him a visa to travel to Australia. However, he was detained upon arrival, his visa cancelled and was sent to Melbourne’s Park Hotel, which acts as an immigration hotel. He then launched a legal campaign to overturn the federal government’s decision to cancel his visa, which culminated in Judge Anthony Kelly reinstating Mr Djokovic’s visa. Immigration Minister Alex Hawke revoked the world number one’s visa four days later using his ministerial powers. While Mr Djokovic challenged this decision in the courts, the decision was upheld by Federal Court judges, and Mr Djokovic was ordered to leave the country. The tennis player had been hoping to make Grand Slam history by securing a record-breaking 21st title at the Australian Open.