Novak Djokovic Press Association

Novak Djokovic has visa reinstated, preps for Aussie Open

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 1/10/22

After a drama-filled week to kick off the new year, Novak Djokovic had his visa reinstated in time for the 2022 Australian Open, which gets underway on Jan. 17.

The world's top-ranked men's tennis player took to Twitter to say the decision to cancel his visa and deny him access into Australia had been overturned and that he is now focusing all of his energy on winning another Open title.

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. pic.twitter.com/iJVbMfQ037
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 10, 2022

Djokovic, 34, caused quite a stir last week when he was held in Melbourne and later denied access into the country because he didn't have a proper medical exemption required by non-citizens entering the country who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

According to ESPN, Djokovic said in the appeal of his visa cancellation "he did not need proof of vaccination because he had evidence that he had been infected with the coronavirus last month."

Djokovic, who remains unvaccinated, has only been granted a temporary exemption. There is also still a chance his visa gets canceled a second time, should the minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs decide to pursue that avenue.

A second visa cancellation could also lead to Djokovic being barred from entering Australia for the next three years.

BREAKING:

Djokovic wins Round 1 of his legal appeal on procedural grounds, quashing the border officer’s initial decision to cancel Djokovic’s visa.

The Australian government has expressed its readiness to recancel the visa and redetain Djokovic, so Round 2 is coming soon.
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 10, 2022