Tennis star Novak Djokovic says he wants to stay in Melbourne and compete in the Australian Open after winning his visa court battle.
The world number 1 may still be deported from Australia, as the country’s immigration minister is considering the case and could overrule the decision.
Djokovic latest: Deportation threat lingers despite court ruling
Djokovic tweeted: “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.”
He added: “For now I cannot say more but THANK YOU all for standing with me through all this and encouraging me to stay strong.”
The photo was taken at Melbourne Park, the venue for the Australian Open – which starts on 17 January.
The Serbian star was earlier allowed to leave a detention hotel in the city after a judge said the decision to revoke his visa was unreasonable.
He had been held there for four nights in a dispute over whether he is exempt from the rule requiring a COVID vaccine to enter Australia.
PIC:AP
Fans gathered at the office of Djokovic’s lawyer and outside the court
Djokovic‘s lawyers say his coronavirus infection last month means he can legally enter the country.
The player’s brother told reporters that “truth and justice” had won and that the family were “grateful for the justice system”.
Djokovic’s brother appeared with his mother and father at a news conference in Belgrade, Serbia’s capital.
“It has been a massive challenge for us as a family,” said Djordje Djokovic.
“We have done everything we can to comply with all the protocols. We are very emotional and it’s very difficult for us to defend Novak without offending anyone.
“Truth and justice have come out and I hereby want to thank Australia’s legal system and judge Kelly, who has been unbiased and neutral as he took on board all the facts since he landed at Melbourne airport, including the bullying he’s been through.”
Dozens of fans, many adorned with the Serbian flag, celebrated the verdict outside the court.
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‘Free Novak’: Djokovic fans chant in Melbourne
Judge Anthony Kelly said Djokovic had provided border officials with a medical exemption given to him by Tennis Australia and two medical panels.
“The point I’m somewhat agitated about is what more could this man have done?” Mr Kelly said.
The judge quashed the decision to revoke the visa and said Djokovic hadn’t been given enough time to respond after being notified of the cancellation.
Djokovic had told border officials he was unvaccinated and had been infected with COVID twice, according to a transcript of an interview revealed in court.
The player has never publicly revealed his vaccination status but has previously said he wouldn’t want to be compelled to get a jab to travel or play.
Airport officials also made him switch off his phone from midnight to around 7.42am, when the decision to cancel his visa was made, the judge added.
The Australian Open begins on 17 January, with the Serbian star bidding to go one ahead of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer as the winner of the most Grand Slams.
He has already won the tournament nine times.
His case has polarised opinions, especially in Australia, which has endured some of the toughest and longest COVID lockdowns in the world.
It has also caused a political row after Prime Minister Scott Morrison said “rules are rules” and that no one would get special treatment.