Novak Djokovic says he is "extremely disappointed" with a court decision to deport him from Australia and prevent his defence of the Australian Open.
Djokovic, who is unvaccinated against COVID-19 failed to overturn a decision from the government to cancel his visa on public health grounds.
The world number one boarded a flight bound for Dubai from Melbourne last night
Djokovic was bidding to have the chance to win a record 21st men's Grand Slam title, moving him clear of Spain's Rafael Nadal and Switzerland's Roger Federer for the first time.
Djokovic's deportation means 35-year-old Nadal is the only one of the trio playing at Melbourne Park.
Federer is out with a long-term knee injury.
The decision ends an 11-day legal dispute over whether Djokovic would be able to play.
He had his visa cancelled when he landed in Melbourne on 5 January and was then detained in an immigration hotel.
Although that decision was overturned on procedural grounds, Australia immigration minister Alex Hawke cancelled his visa again on Friday.
[Source: BBC]
