Sonali Paul and Ian Ransom

MELBOURNE (Reuters – Novak Djokovic, the world number one in tennis, waited to find out if the Australian government would remove his visa. The Australian Open begins Monday and he is aiming for a 21st major championship title.

Djokovic was the current champion and was in Thursday’s top-seed draw. He was to play fellow Serb Miomir KECMANOVIC for his first match on Monday or Tuesday.

After a court invalidated an earlier revocation, a judge released the tennis star from detention and allowed him to cancel his visa again.

The Age of Melbourne reported in The Age that Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of the Liberal Party said the government had “strongly lean” toward revoking visas again.

Djokovic is a vaccine skeptic and caused anger in Australia last week when he said he would be heading to Melbourne to play in the Australian Open. He also announced that he had a medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Australia is currently in one of the most severe lockdowns on the planet. It has an adult vaccination rate of 90% and has had a runaway Omicron epidemic that has brought nearly a million cases to its shores within the past two weeks.

Simon Birmingham, the Finance Minister, stated on Friday morning television that Visa decisions would be handled by Alex Hawke as Immigration Minister. However, the policies of the government were crystal clear.

He stated that anyone who arrives in Australia and is not a citizen of Australia should receive double-dose vaccinations unless there’s a valid, clear medical exemption.

A poll conducted by News Corp (NASDAQ) found 83% support the government’s attempt to expel the tennis star.

His supporters, though, included many Serbian Australians who gave him loud support while he was being detained. The anti-vaxxers hail him as the hero. And his family portrays him as championing individual rights.

According to the Committee for Melbourne representing business and art leaders, this dispute is affecting Melbourne’s reputation for hosting large events.

Martine Letts, chief executive officer of the committee said that the Djokovic visa/vaccination saga had reflected badly on everyone involved. This is tragic considering our tournament planning and infrastructure.