Novak Djokovic loses final appeal, will be deported from Australia

The 2022 Australian Open will begin Sunday night (Monday morning in Australia) and it'll officially happen without nine-time champion Novak Djokovic.

The Serbian tennis star's lengthy battle to participate in the Grand Slam without getting vaccinated ended Sunday when a court dismissed his appeal of Australian immigration minister Alex Hawke's decision to deport him from the country.

"I am extremely disappointed with the Court ruling to dismiss my application for judicial review of the Minister's decision to cancel my visa, which means I cannot stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open," Djokovic said in a statement, via ESPN. "I respect the Court's ruling and I will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country."

Djokovic, 34, was the top seeded player in the men's singles tournament, but has already been replaced in the draw by Italy's Salvatore Caruso.

The saga began months ago when Australian officials said all players will need vaccinations against COVID-19 with no exceptions. Djokovic, who has been steadfast against receiving the vaccine, received an exemption anyway after contracting the virus in December.

Djokovic was later denied entry to the country, but won an appeal and had his visa reinstated. Still, Australian government officials pondered the possibility of deporting Djokovic.