Novak Djokovic news: World No 1 banned from Australia for three years, but…

Novak Djokovic is officially banned from Australia for three years following the cancellation of his visa, but “it can be waived in compelling circumstances”.

Following a dramatic fortnight in Melbourne, Djokovic was deported on Sunday after three judges unanimously upheld Immigration Minister Alex Hawke’s decision to use his personal powers to revoke his visa “on health and good order grounds”.

The cancellation of a visa results in an automatic three-year ban from the country, putting the nine-time Australian Open champion’s hopes of adding another title to his collection in doubt.

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However, Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews has revealed that they could allow Djokovic to compete next year, but warned it will not be a “straightforward process”.

“Mr Djokovic is now subject to a three-year exclusion – it can be waived in compelling circumstances but that’s not a matter for today or tomorrow that’s a matter for some time in the future,” she told Sky News Australia.

“But we have been clear that the Morrison government has always maintained very strong border protection policies. Anyone who has been excluded from entry to Australia or who had their visa cancelled; it is not going to be an easy or a straightforward process to get any entry into Australia.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison also admitted that the door is ajar.

“I’m not going to precondition any of that or say anything that would not enable the minister to make the various calls he has to make,” he told 2GB radio.

“It does go over a three-year period, but there is the opportunity for (a person) to return in the right circumstances, and that will be considered at the time.”