Novak Djokovic has been banned from entering Australia for three years after losing his court appeal against being deported.
The explosive saga finally culminated on Sunday when three court judges ruled unanimously against the 34-year-old being allowed to remain in the country, with prompt arrangements made for him to fly home that same evening.
And as the first day of the Australian Open was taking place at Melbourne Park, Djokovic landed in Dubai en route to returning to Serbia, where he was seen posing for selfies with fans and airport staff.
Djokovic originally had his visa revoked by border force officials upon his arrival at Melbourne Airport, but after four days in a Government detention hotel, won an appeal against being deported and began preparations to play in the first Grand Slam tournament of the season.
However, then allegations emerged of the unvaccinated star flaunting isolation rules in Serbia after testing positive for Covid-19 on December 16 - the very factor which prompted Tennis Australia to award him a medical exemption to compete in the event - and he also had to explain why his immigration forms contained false information.
The latter offence could potentially end in a jail sentence and on Friday, the country's immigration mister, Alex Hawke, cancelled his visa a second time.
And in an interview with the Today Show on Monday, Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews confirmed the star had been dealt the mandatory three year ban for being deported.
"The visa was cancelled by Minister Hawke," Ms Andrews said.
"That cancellation was upheld by the Federal Court, so as a result of that, he will be banned from entry for three years into the country."
However, the law does allow individuals exemptions to return if their reasoning is in a matter of national interest, and the world no 1 has been seemingly offered an olive branch by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
"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," Morrison told 2GB radio .
"It does go over a three-year period, but there is the opportunity for to return in the right circumstances, and that will be considered at the time."
Morrison also denied the star had been mistreated since arrival 12 days ago "Well, it's very clear that Australia has not tortured Mr Djokovic," he said.
