Men's top-ranked tennis player Novak Djokovic says after visa reinstatement that he remains focused on competing in Australian Open

Play.

The mother of the man alleges he was tortured in Australia.

After a court ruled that he should be released from the hotel, Dijana Djokovic opens up about her son's experiences. (0:47)

10:00 AM

The world's top-ranked men's tennis player, Novak Djokovic, expressed gratitude that an Australian judge overturned his visa cancellation on Monday.

Despite all that has happened, I want to stay and try to compete at the Australian Open. One of the most important events we have in front of the amazing fans was where I flew to.

He thanked his supporters for their support, which began when he arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday, as government authorities canceled his visa after deciding he didn't meet the criteria for an exemption to an entry requirement that all non-citizens be fully vaccine free.

I'm happy that the judge overturned my visa cancellation. I want to stay and compete in the Australian Open.
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I am focused on that. I flew here to play in front of the amazing fans.

January 10, 2022.

According to court documents, the tennis star isn't vaccine free.

He argued at the virtual court hearing that he did not need proof of vaccine because he had been exposed to the coronaviruses.

The exemption for the vaccine rule can be granted to people who have been exposed to COVID-19 within six months.

Tennis Australia and two medical panels gave a medical exemption to the tennis player, who was at the airport.

What more could this man have done? Kelly ordered the release of the man from the hotel where he has been held since Thursday, before reinstating his visa.

Dijana said that she wanted to thank everyone in the world who stood up and supported her son in the Australian Open. This is the biggest win of his career.

He hasn't broken any of the laws. He has been the target of harassment. He fought against the system because he had the right to.

Djordje said, "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."

There is still a lot of work to be done. The minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs will consider whether to exercise a personal power of cancellation after the ruling.

A spokesman said later on Monday that the decision was still being made on whether or not to cancel the visa a second time.

That would mean that the nine-time Australian Open winner and defending champion could be deported and miss the tournament. He could be barred from the country for three years.

The men's record for Grand Slam singles titles is shared by Roger and Rafael Nadal.

The Associated Press contributed to the report.

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