Novak Djokovic posts smiling photo from Australian Open tennis court after release from immigration detention

• Novak Djokovic says he still plans to defend his Australian Open title after having his visa reinstated.
• "I flew here to play at one of the most important events we have," he said in a tweet.

Novak Djokovic has broken his silence following the reinstatement of his Australian visa, saying that he still plans to defend his Australian Open title later this month.

Djokovic had his visa revoked upon entry to Melbourne in the early hours of Thursday by border forces after scrutiny of the medical exemption he had been given, which was meant to allow him to enter the country without a COVID-19 vaccine.

He was held in an immigration detention facility after his visa was revoked, but was released on Monday after an Australian judge ruled that the cancellation of his visa was "unreasonable."

Tweeting shortly after the verdict, the world number one shared a smiling photo of him and his team at Melbourne Park, where the Open will start of January 17.

"I'm pleased and grateful that the Judge overturned my visa cancellation," he said. "Despite all that has happened, I want to stay and try to compete Australian Open 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."

In a second tweet, Djokovic added: "For now I cannot say more but THANK YOU all for standing with me through all this and encouraging me to stay strong."

Djokovic's great rival Rafael Nadal told Spanish radio Onda Cero, per Reuters, on Monday that he believed the right decision had been made.

"Whether or not I agree with Djokovic on some things, justice has spoken and has said that he has the right to participate in the Australian Open and I think it is the fairest decision to do so, if it has been resolved that way. I wish him the best of luck," said the Spaniard.

He added jokingly: "On a personal level, I'd much rather he didn't play."

More to follow.