Tennis star Novak Djokovic says he wants to stay in Melbourne and compete in the Australian Open after winning his visa court battle.
The world no 1 may still be deported from Australia, as the country’s immigration minister is considering the case and could overrule the decision.
He tweeted: “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 @AustralianOpen.
“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.”
He added: “For now I cannot say more but THANK YOU all for standing with me through all this and encouraging me to stay strong.”
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The tennis star was allowed to leave a Melbourne hotel earlier on Monday after a judge said the decision to revoke his visa was unreasonable.
He had been held there for four nights amid a row over whether he is exempt from needing a COVID vaccine to enter Australia.
Djokovic believes his coronavirus infection last month means he can enter the country and that tournament organisers and two medical panels approved the exemption.
The player’s brother said “truth and justice” had won and that the family were “grateful for the justice system”.
Djokovic’s brother appeared with his mother and father at a news conference in Belgrade, Serbia’s capital.
“It has been a massive challenge for us as a family,” said Djordje Djokovic.
“We have done everything we can to comply with all the protocols. We are very emotional and it’s very difficult for us to defend Novak without offending anyone.
“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 landed at Melbourne airport, including the bullying he’s been through.”