Djokovic publishes photo on court and says he will try to compete in the Australian Open

Hours after having his visa canceled by the Australian Justice, Novak Djokovic published a photo with his team at the Rod Laver Arena, the main court of the Melbourne Park complex, where the Australian Open is played.

“I am pleased and grateful that the judge has overturned the cancellation of my visa. Despite everything that has happened, I want to stay and try to compete. I remain focused on that. I flew here to play in one of the most important events we have, ahead of incredible fans”, he wrote on social networks during the Australian dawn on Tuesday (11).

“I can’t say any more for now, but thank you all for being with me through all of this and encouraging me to stay strong.”

Djokovic, 34, won a court victory on Monday in his attempt to stay in Australia without being vaccinated against Covid-19.

Federal judge Anthony Kelly overturned the Australian government’s decision that had revoked the tennis player’s entry visa and ordered his immediate release, with the return of his passport. He had been held in a Melbourne quarantine hotel since Thursday.

Kelly considered that the Serb’s detention and visa cancellation were unreasonable under the circumstances in which they occurred. The position was eventually recognized by the Australian government, which will be responsible for the tennis player’s legal costs.

A government lawyer, Christopher Tran, warned that Immigration Minister Alex Hawke could still order Djokovic’s expulsion from Australia through his executive powers under the Migration Act.

Hawke has yet to comment on that possibility. “The minister is considering the matter, and the process remains ongoing,” a spokesperson said.

If he does not interfere in the case, Djokovic will be free to play in the Australian Open, which starts on the 17th, in pursuit of his tenth title in the tournament and the record of 21 Grand Slam trophies on the men’s circuit.

The tennis player, known for being skeptical about vaccines, does not speak publicly about his vaccination status against Covid-19, but confirmed to immigration that he did not receive any immunizations.

This, however, was not the direct object of debate at court. The visa cancellation was overturned because the athlete would not have had enough time to speak with Australian Open organizers and their lawyers during the tumultuous immigration process.

Djokovic traveled to Australia after receiving a document that would exempt him from presenting proof of vaccination, for having a positive test for Covid-19 dated 16 December. This authorization was granted by the tournament organizers and the Victorian state government, but the recent contagion argument was not considered valid by the federal government to dispense with the vaccine.

In Belgrade, the player’s family said his release was “the biggest victory of his life”.

“He is there to set another record. He is an athlete and the best tennis player in the world of all time. Novak has always stood for freedom of choice, nothing more. The Djokovic family is pleased that justice prevailed,” said his brother Djordje.

Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal, tied with Djokovic and Roger Federer for 20 Grand Slam tournament titles, called the drama surrounding the affair a “circus”.

“Whether or not I agree with Djokovic on some things, the court said he has the right to participate in the Australian Open, and I think that is the fairest decision,” Nadal told Spanish radio Onda Cero.

Previously, the Spaniard defended the need for vaccination and stated that the Serb knew the risks of not being immunized.