Novak Djokovik: Tennis star won court battle to play in Australia

picture courtesy: Reuters

Novak Djokovic has been freed from immigration detention in Australia hours after a judge ruled that border guard were wrong to tear up his visa and try to deport him because he is not vaccinated against Covid. The unvaccinated world number one was dramatically denied entry at Melbourne airport last week

Mr Hawke, immigration minister, had been given a four-hour limit to decide whether the powers to tear up Djokovic's visa a second time and deport him in spite of the court ruling, should be used, but the time elapsed. It means that Djokovic can no longer be detained, though Mr Hawke can still cancel his visa at any time - a move that the government insists it is still considering.

But in the meantime, Djokovic is free to compete at the Australia Open, which is due to begin on January 17, where he is bidding to become the most decorated athlete in men's singles history.

Djokovic's family are now planning to hold a press conference in Serbia, where they have been leading protests against his detention. The athlete is believed to be joining them via video link.