Judge Frees Djokovic From Aussie Detention But May Still Be Deported

World tennis number one Novak Djokovic was released from Australian immigration detention on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, after winning a court challenge to remain in the country, but the government said it was still considering another move to deport him, Sonali Paul, and Ian Ransom reported for Reuters.

Photo Insert: Men's tennis number 1 Novak Djokovic and his team finally got to set foot on the Melbourne courts.

Judge Anthony Kelly ruled the federal government's decision last week to revoke the Serbian tennis star's visa amid a row over his medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccination requirements was "unreasonable" and ordered his release.

"Novak is free and just a moment ago he went to the tennis court to practice," Djokovic's brother Djordje told a family news conference in Belgrade, which was taking place around midnight in Melbourne.

"He's out there to set another record." Djokovic himself, who arrived in Australia last week in pursuit of a record 21st Grand Slam title at the upcoming Australian Open, spent the day at his lawyers' chambers and did not immediately appear in public or make any statement after the ruling.

There were chaotic scenes on Monday evening as supporters who had gathered outside the lawyers' office chanting "Free Novak!" surged around a black car with tinted windows leaving the building, while police at one stage used pepper spray as they tried to clear a path.

It was unclear if Djokovic was in the vehicle, though police later told reporters outside that he had left.

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