Australian Open: ATP welcomes Djokovic outcome, repeats calls for players to get vaccinated

ATP said events leading to Monday’s court hearing have been ‘damaging on all fronts’, including for Djokovic’s well-being and preparation for the Australian Open

Australia’s immigration minister Alex Hawke could still cancel Djokovic’s visa, meaning his participation at the Australian Open is not 100 per cent certain

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After days of uncertainty, Novak Djokovic was released from detention. Photo: Reuters.

Published: 10:03am, 11 Jan 2022Updated: 11:16am, 11 Jan 2022

The Association of Tennis Professionals has welcomed the outcome of the hearing that will allow Novak Djokovic to play at the Australian Open, but reiterated that it continues to encourage its players to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

After days of uncertainty regarding the world No 1’s participation in Melbourne, it was ruled on Monday he should be immediately released from detention.

That came after authorities cancelled his visa last week, despite the Serbian receiving a medical exemption that allowed him to enter the country, regardless of his vaccination status. Given his application for the exemption, it is assumed Djokovic is unvaccinated.

The Australian Border Force declared Djokovic must fly out of the country on Thursday, sparking the challenge that went in the tennis star’s favour on Monday.

However, Australia’s immigration minister Alex Hawke could still cancel Djokovic’s visa on new grounds, meaning his participation at the year’s first grand slam is not yet 100 per cent known.