Novak Djokovic was released from detention in Australia, Monday, as Australias Federal Circuit Court quashed the governments decision to cancel his visa.
The number one tennis player in the world, Novak Djokovic dramatically had his visa revoked on his arrival in Melbourne, amid a huge backlash over a vaccine exemption.
In April, Djokovic had raised eyebrows for being against the idea of having to be vaccinated for Covid-19 as a possible prerequisite to play. Tennis Australia also sparked controversy last week after saying Djokovic had been granted a ‘medical exemption’ to play at Australian Open, but Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison refuted the claim, saying he had been advised that ‘such an exemption was not in place.’
Djokovic was held in the airport for several hours before border officials announced he had not met entry rules before being taken to a government detention hotel, where he stayed until Monday.
A judge in Melbourne ruled that Novak Djokovic should be released from detention, and his visa cancellation be overruled. Australias Immigration Minister Alex Hawke still has the power to cancel the visa, however, and is ‘currently considering the matter,’ according to an official statement.
Outside Djokovics lawyers office, supporters who were blocking what was believed to be Djokovic’s car had pepper spray used on them by police.
This hasn’t been Djokovic’s only brush with controversy during the pandemic.
The Serbain superstar was involved in a controversy over his exhibition tour in the Balkans, which had to be cancelled after Djokovic and his wife Jelena, among others tested positive for the virus.
So what does Djokovic stand to lose if he is not allowed to stay in Australia and compete?
Djokovic has won the Australian Open a record nine times in his career. He has also won 20 grand slam singles titles, only matched by fellow modern tennis greats Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
If he gets to play and wins the Australian Open, he might just stamp his authority as the ‘all-time best men’s player.’