Djokovic awaits court’s verdict

A court hearing for tennis star Novak Djokovic’s appeal against deportation in Australia ended Sunday and a verdict was expected soon.

Federal Court Chief Justice James Allsop said he and two fellow judges hoped to reach a verdict later Sunday. Djokovic needs to win the appeal to defend his Australian Open title in play that begins on Monday.

The Australian government canceled Djokovic’s visa on Friday due to issues surrounding his stance against COVID-19 vaccination.