Timeline of Novak Djokovic's deportation from Australia

Despite unvaccinated, Novak Djokovic was granted the Australian visa on 18th November 2021. While doubts still remained over his entry, the medical committee set up the government allowed him to enter and Djokovic travelled to Australia on 5th January. 

Djokovic was not allowed to enter and was taken to a federal quarantine center directly. Rest of Djokovic's team members moved to their hotel. Novak's father Srdjan Djokovic brought out mass protest in Belgrade demanding the release of his son. 

Fans gathered outside the quarantine center to show support to Djokovic in Melbourne. Meanwhile, the legal team of Djokovic appealed against the decision and filed a case in the court whose result was awaited on 10th January.

After spending nearly 5 days in the quarantine center, Djokovic was released after the court ruled in his favor. The government was ordered to release the player immediately and awarded costs stating the cancellation process of the government was flawed. Djokovic then had practice sessions in Melbourne Park to prepare for his title defense.  

Djokovic's joy was short lived. On 14th January, then Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke used his ministerial power to cancel the Serb's visa once again. Hawke believed that allowing Djokovic to roam was against public interest and to protect the citizens, he used his power. 

Djokovic was again moved to the same quarantine center as another court case was filed by his legal team. The Grand Slam was scheduled to start on 17th January and after the draws were made, Djokovic was scheduled to play on Day-1 of the major further diminishing his days in hand to fight the case. 

While Djokovic won the first case, the verdict of the second case went against him. On 16th January, the eve of his first round match where he was to play as the 3-time defending champion, Djokovic's visa was cancelled. His request for a judicial review was unanimously dismissed putting the final nail in the coffin. 

With hours to go for his first round match, Djokovic was asked to get out of the country while also being handed a 3-year ban from re-entering. The Serb did not hesitate from saying he was disappointed in the ruling but did not stage any further protest and left the country. 

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