Novak Djokovic said on Monday he still hopes to compete at the Australian Open, while his mother said the decision to cancel his visa was the “biggest victory of his career”.
The ruling revoked his visa on COVID-19 health grounds, and ended his detention, potentially clearing the way for his attempt at an unprecedented 21st Grand Slam singles title.
The first Grand Slam of the year starts next Monday in Melbourne.
Djokovic tweeted: “Despite what has happened, I want to stay and compete at the Australian Open. I am focused on that.”
His mother Dijana, who was present at a press conference in Belgrade, called it “the biggest win of his career, the biggest win of all his Grand Slams”.
His brother Jordje said that justice has been served.
“Truth and justice came out. I want to thank Australia’s justice system,” said his brother Jordje, adding that Djokovic has been able to train since his release from custody.
The 34-year-old Serbian was held for several nights at an immigration detention facility in Melbourne after he failed to present a convincing medical reason for not being jab against Covid-19.
Djokovic has not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and arrived in Melbourne last Wednesday ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam, armed with a medical exemption from the organizers of the Australia Open.
However, immigration officials decided that Champion had failed to offer a solid medical reason for not having the jab.
Despite losing in court, the Australian government has warned it could still force Djokovic to leave by canceling his visa for a second time, leaving the Serb to miss the Australian Open, which begins on January 17.
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