World number one Novak Djokovic was released from Australian immigration detention on Monday after winning a court challenge overturning the cancellation of the tennis star's visa on Covid-19 health grounds, and ending his detention.
The 34-year-old Djokovic arrived in Melbourne last week ahead of the Australian Open, which starts in just one week, hoping to win a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title. But instead of a champion's welcome, officers at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport decided the unvaccinated star had failed to present a solid medical reason for not being jabbed.
Djokovic's visa was then revoked and he was moved to a notorious immigration detention facility pending deportation.
In an emergency online court hearing Monday, Judge Anthony Kelly ruled the federal government's decision last week to revoke the tennis star's visa to enter the country was "unreasonable" and ordered Djokovic to be released.
Judge Anthony Kelly said that the tennis player had received the required medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccination before he traveled to Melbourne to participate in the Australian Open 2022, and Djokovic presented evidence of that when he landed on Wednesday.
Djokovic's plight has been closely followed around the world, creating political tensions between Belgrade and Canberra and sparking heated debate over national vaccination mandates.
The 34-year-old Djokovic arrived in Melbourne last week ahead of the Australian Open, which starts in just one week, hoping to win a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title. But instead of a champion's welcome, officers at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport decided the unvaccinated star had failed to present a solid medical reason for not being jabbed.
Djokovic's visa was then revoked and he was moved to a notorious immigration detention facility pending deportation.
In an emergency online court hearing Monday, Judge Anthony Kelly ruled the federal government's decision last week to revoke the tennis star's visa to enter the country was "unreasonable" and ordered Djokovic to be released.
Judge Anthony Kelly said that the tennis player had received the required medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccination before he traveled to Melbourne to participate in the Australian Open 2022, and Djokovic presented evidence of that when he landed on Wednesday.
Djokovic's plight has been closely followed around the world, creating political tensions between Belgrade and Canberra and sparking heated debate over national vaccination mandates.
