“Let the tournament begin: after the judge overturns Novak’s visa cancellation”

“ Despite all that has happened, I want to stay and try to compete in the Australian Open.  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.

The Judge Anthony Kelly orders immediate release of Djokovic after the government acknowledged in court that he was not given enough time to respond following the notification to cancel his visa.

Australian Border Force suggested Djokovic brought little evidence into the country to support his medical exemption. Judge Kelly saw it completely differently, asking “ what else could he possibly have done?”.

The immigration minister Alex Hawke is still considering revoking Djokovic’s visa. The MP is able to act using broad discretionary powers granted him by Australia’s Migration Act. Spain’s Rafa Nadal, who is tied on 20 majors with Djokovic and Switzerland’s Roger Federer called the build-up to the tournament a “circus”.

Novak’s parents, Srdjan and Dijana Djokovic, along with his younger brother Djordje were holding a press conference in Serbian capital Belgrade, saying overturning the decision to revoke his visa was the “biggest victory” of her son’s career. She also claimed he had been “subject to torture and harassment” while staying in an immigration hotel where refugees and asylum seekers have long complained of poor conditions. The family was “pleased that justice has prevailed. Novak is out there to set another record. He is an athlete and the best tennis player in the world of all times. Novak has always advocated freedom of choice, nothing more”.

 

The Australian Open begins on 17 January and if Djokovic wins, he will become the most successful men’s player in history.

 

The world number one is tied with Switzerland’s Roger Federer and Spain’s Rafael Nadal on 20 Grand Slam singles titles.

 

Novak Djokovic  says he is focused on playing in the Australian Open next week after winning a court battle that overturned his visa cancellation. The 34-year-old said he practised on court  in Melbourne within hours of leaving an immigration detention.