Djokovic thanks judge for overturning visa cancellation

WORLD No.1 men’s singles player Novak Djokovic, who has found himself at the centre of a storm over non taking coronavirus vaccine ahead of the Australian Open, said on Monday (10) that he is “pleased and grateful” that his visa cancellation ahead of the marquee tournament was overturned by law.

The Serbian tennis star, who is the defending champion and is in the hunt for a record 10th title at the Australian Open this year, won his legal appeal on procedural grounds, quashing the border officer’s initial decision to cancel his visa.

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Judge Anthony Kelly of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia reversed the cancellation of Djokovic’s visa and confirmed that he will be allowed to stay in Australia.

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It was also ordered that Djokovic be released from his detention immediately with his passport and “personal effects”.

“I’m pleased and grateful that the Judge overturned my visa cancellation. Despite all that has happened, I want to stay and try to compete @AustralianOpen.I remain focused on that. I flew here to play at one of the most important events we have in front of the amazing fans,” Djokovic tweeted.

He also thanked his fans for backing him during the proceedings.

“For now I cannot say more but THANK YOU all for standing with me through all this and encouraging me to stay strong,” the 34-year-old added.

Djokovic was granted a medical exemption to enter Australia and compete in the Australian Open because he had recently tested positive for Covid-19, court documents published on Saturday (8) showed.

The Australian Open organisers granted a medical exemption to vaccine-sceptic Djokovic after which he jetted into Melbourne earlier last week.

However, on landing Down Under, Djokovic spent eight hours in detention at Melbourne Airport where he unsuccessfully pleaded his case to the border officials.

The incident also saw protests in Serbia and diplomatic engagements between the governments of Australia and Serbia.