Another twist in drawn-out drama

Djoker’s visa revoked again; he will be detained today ahead of court hearing.

Australia’s immigration minister on Friday revoked tennis star Novak Djokovic’s visa ahead of the Australian Open, saying “it was in the public interest to do so.” Djokovic is expected to be detained Saturday ahead of a court hearing on his case to stay in the country. The visa decision appears to have all but ended the ambitions of the world’s No.1 men’s tennis player to defend his title and win a record 21st grand slam.

The decision on “health and good order” grounds means he faces deportation and a three-year visa ban. That would make Djokovic 37 the next time he would be allowed to compete at the Australian Open.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that the decision followed “careful consideration”.

Djokovic’s legal team called the minister’s decision to cancel the visa “patently irrational”.

Citing a government document with more details on why it was revoked, Djokovic’s lawyer, Nicholas Wood, said it was not because he is a danger to the public, but because “he will excite anti-vax sentiment”.