BELGRADE (Reuters) – World number one Novak Djokovic returned to training after being released from Australian immigration detention on Monday, posting a picture with his team from Melbourne Park and thanking the judge for overturning his visa cancellation.
“I’m pleased and grateful that the judge overturned my 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,” the Serbian wrote on Twitter.
“For now I cannot say more but thank you all for standing with me through all this and encouraging me to stay strong.”
The player’s family said his release was the “biggest victory of his life”.
“Novak is free and just a moment ago he went to the tennis court to practise,” Djokovic’s brother, Djordje, told a press conference in Belgrade.
“He’s 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 Djokovic family is pleased that justice has prevailed.”
The Australian government, however, could still deport Djokovic. A spokesman for Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said that he was considering using his personal power to again revoke Djokovic’s visa.
Earlier on Monday, Judge Anthony Kelly ruled that the federal government’s decision to cancel Djokovic’s visa last week amid a row over his medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccine requirements was “unreasonable” and ordered his release.
“Truth and justice have come out and I hereby want to thank Australia’s legal system and judge Kelly, who has been unbiased and neutral as he took on board all the facts since he (Djokovic) landed at Melbourne airport, including the bullying he’s been through,” added Djordje.
(This story refiles to fix story slug)
(Reporting by Dhruv Munjal in Bengaluru and Zoran Milosavljevic; Editing by Gareth Jones and Hugh Lawson)
