Novak Djokovic has affirmed that he is "pleased and grateful" after his visa to compete in this month's Australian Open was reinstated on appeal.
The unvaccinated 34-year-old initially travelled to Australia with a medical exemption from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, but the Australian Border Force deemed the evidence insufficient and he was placed in immigration detention.
Having alleged that his medical exemption was granted based on a positive PCR test on December 16, Judge Anthony Kelly ruled that Djokovic should have his visa reinstated ahead of the Grand Slam.
The Serbian has now taken to Twitter to express his gratitude towards the decision, posting: "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.
"For now I cannot say more but THANK YOU all for standing with me through all this and encouraging me to stay strong."
Despite Judge Kelly's decision, Australia's Immigration Minister Alex Hawke still possesses the personal power to cancel Djokovic's visa, with a decision expected tomorrow.
Ben Knapton
