Tennis star Novak Djokovic had a vaccine exemption to enter Australia after a Covid-19 infection on December 16, his lawyers say in court documents.
Djokovic was denied entry to Australia after landing in Melbourne this week to play in the Australian Open.
The world's top ranked tennis player is currently in an immigration detention centre ahead of a court case on Monday.
His case has caused a huge outcry in Australia and made waves around the world.
Djokovic, 34, who has said he is opposed to vaccination, had been granted a medical exemption to play in the tournament in a decision that infuriated many ordinary Australians.
But the Serbian was dramatically denied entry on landing. On Wednesday, Australian Border Force (ABF) officials said the player had "failed to provide appropriate evidence" at Melbourne Airport because a prior infection was not a valid reason to enter without a vaccination.
In court documents released on Saturday, Djokovic's lawyers said the player had been granted a temporary visa to enter the country and provided with a "medical exemption from Covid-19 vaccination" by Tennis Australia because of his recent infection.
The documents state that an exemption certificate recorded that 14 days after testing positive in December, the player "had not had a fever or respiratory symptoms of Covid-19 in the last 72 hours".
There had been no prior announcement of his infection.
Djokovic's exemption was given by two independent medical panels organised by Tennis Australia, the body that runs the event, and Victoria state.
It is not yet clear how long Djokovic will remain in the immigration detention hotel that has often been criticised by refugees for its poor conditions. Serbia has demanded Australia move him to another hotel.
Latest Stories
-
Paris 2024: Opening ceremony showcases grandiose celebration of French culture and diversity
2 hours -
How decline of Indian vultures led to 500,000 human deaths
3 hours -
Paris 2024: Ghana rocks ‘fabulous fugu’ at olympics opening ceremony
4 hours -
Trust Hospital faces financial strain with rising debt levels – Auditor-General’s report
4 hours -
Electrochem lease: Allocate portions of land to Songor people – Resident demand
4 hours -
82 widows receive financial aid from Chayil Foundation
4 hours -
The silent struggles: Female journalists grapple with Ghana’s high cost of living
4 hours -
BoG yet to make any payment to Service Ghana Auto Group
5 hours -
‘Crushed Young’: The Multimedia Group, JL Properties surprise accident victim’s family with fully-furnished apartment
5 hours -
Asante Kotoko needs structure that would outlive any administration – Opoku Nti
6 hours -
JoyNews exposé on Customs officials demanding bribes airs on July 29
6 hours -
JoyNews Impact Maker Awardee ships first consignment of honey from Kwahu Afram Plains
7 hours -
Joint committee under fire over report on salt mining lease granted Electrochem
7 hours -
Life Lounge with Edem Knight-Tay: Don’t be beaten the third time
8 hours -
Pro-NPP group launched to help ‘Break the 8’
8 hours