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Judge rules Djokovic can remain in Australia

The world number one - who has been in a detention hotel since arrival into the country last week - is now able to play in next week's Australian Open. 



Judge rules Djokovic can remai...
Other Sports

Judge rules Djokovic can remain in Australia

Novak Djokovic has won a court appeal against his deportation from Australia. 

The world number one - who has been in a detention hotel since arrival into the country last week - is now able to play in next week's Australian Open.

The Serbian star travelled to Australia having said he received an exemption to play in the tournament.

A transcript released in court of Djokovic's interview with Australian Border Force last week confirmed he is not vaccinated against Covid-19.

It also revealed that he has tested positive for the virus on two occasions.

There are strict vaccination laws in place in Australia and participants in the Australian Open must be vaccinated or have a valid medical exemption.

With a visa now granted to Djokovic, it looks as though he will be able to play next week.

However, the Australian Immigration Minister could intervene and cancel his visa for a second time.

Judge Anthony Kelly quashed the initial cancellation of the visa this morning and also ordered that the government pay legal costs.

"Here, a professor and an eminently qualified physician have produced and provided to the applicant a medical exemption," Judge Kelly said.

"Further to that, that medical exemption and the basis on which it was given was separately given by a further independent expert specialist panel established by the Victorian state government and that document was in the hands of the delegate."

Among the arguments advanced by Djokovic's representatives was the inadequate time afforded to respond to the notification to cancel his visa.

A 20-time Grand Slam winner, Djokovic will move ahead of both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the list of all-time Grand Slam champions if he prevails in Melbourne.

He is the defending champion having taken the honours last year.

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