Novak Djokovic has returned to training ahead of the Australian Open.
Gatekeepers News reports that the World No. 1 tennis player has returned to training after winning an appeal against a decision to refuse him a visa.
However, there are unanswered questions about his whereabouts after the tennis star tested positive for COVID-19 last month.
The tennis star argued that he flew into Australia with an “exemption” on his visa, but was denied entry when he arrived in the country on Wednesday.
Gatekeepers News earlier reported that Judge Anthony Kelly quashed the visa cancellation, and ordered the Australian Government to pay legal costs and release the world No. 1 tennis player from detention within half an hour as he delivered his verdict at 6.16 am GMT.
Djokovic in a tweet on Monday said: “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.”
The ATP, while reacting to this condemned the series of events as “damaging on all fronts,” calling for greater clarity in the future regarding travel regulations and requirements for players.
Although Djokovic has been allowed to enter Australia, his unvaccinated status could see him face issues attempting to enter other countries hosting tournaments in the future.
The ATP in a statement released on Monday evening said: “The ATP fully respects the sacrifices the people of Australia have made since the onset of COVID-19 and the stringent immigration policies that have been put in place. Complications in recent days related to player entry into Australia have however highlighted the need for clearer understanding, communication, and application of the rules.
“In travelling to Melbourne, it’s clear Novak Djokovic believed he had been granted a necessary medical exemption in order to comply with entry regulations. The series of events leading to Monday’s court hearing have been damaging on all fronts, including for Novak’s well-being and preparation for the Australian Open. Player medical exemption requests are made independently of ATP, however, we have been in constant contact with Tennis Australia to seek clarity throughout this process. We welcome the outcome of Monday’s hearing and look forward to an exciting few weeks of tennis ahead.
“More broadly, ATP continues to strongly recommend vaccination for all players on the ATP Tour, which we believe is essential for our sport to navigate the pandemic. This is based on scientific evidence supporting the health benefits provided and to comply with global travel regulations, which we anticipate will become stricter over time. We are encouraged that 97 per cent of the Top 100 players are vaccinated leading into this year’s Australian Open.”
