THE ATP responded to Novak Djokovic’s stunning victory over the Australian government in his visa battle by calling the argument over his vaccination status “damaging on all fronts”.

A Melbourne judge’s verdict overturned the cancellation of the tennis star’s visa on Covid-19 health grounds, and ended the unvaccinated athlete’s detention in an immigration facility, potentially clearing the way for him to play in the tournament next Monday.

The ATP, the governing body of men’s tennis, said it sympathises with both Djokovic and the Australian public and stressed it has done everything it can to head off potential problems for players entering the country to play the Australian Open.

“The ATP fully respects the sacrifices the people of Australia have made since the onset of Covid-19 and stringent immigration policies that have been put in place.”

On the world No. 1, it said: “In travelling to Melbourne, it is clear that Djokovic believes he has been granted a necessary medical exemption to comply with entry regulations.”

“The series of events leading to the court hearing yesterday have been damaging on all fronts, including for Djokovic’s well-being and preparation for the Australian Open.

“Medical exemption requests are made independently of ATP. However, we have been in constant contact with Tennis Australia to seek clarity throughout this process.”

But the statement made clear that Djokovic could have avoided the problem.

“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…We are encouraged that 97% of the Top 100 players are vaccinated leading into the Australian Open this year.” – AFP, January 11, 2022.