Novak Djokovic wins court battle to stay in Australia

Melbourne: World No 1 Tennis player Novak Djokovic has won a court battle to stay in Australia to contest the Australian Open despite being unvaccinated against COVID-19, but the government has threatened to cancel his visa for a second time.

Federal Circuit Court Judge Anthony Kelly has quashed the visa cancellation, and ordered the Australian Government to pay legal costs and release Djokovic from detention. But the Australian government’s counsel, Christopher Tran, has revealed the



immigration minister will consider exercising personal power to cancel Djokovic’s visa meaning he is not guaranteed to stay and compete in the Australian Open. The Australian Open starts on Monday, January 17, with the draw taking place on Thursday, January 13.

Earlier in the day, Djokovic was removed from detention to be with his lawyers during the hearing, and Judge Kelly expressed agitation over the rejection of Djokovic's medical exemption.