Novak Djokovic has known many important rulings in his time. There were the shots that were only just out, and the aces disallowed because of foot faults. But none compared to a judge's decision that he was free to enter the country.

Djokovic flew into MelbourneThe capital of the state of Victoria, and Australia's second largest city after Sydney. last week for the Australian Open. He has already won the competition nine times. A tenth victory would make him the most successful male tennis player ever, with 21 Grand Slam titles.

Anyone entering Australia must be double vaccinated or have a letter exempting them for medical reasons. Djokovic had a letter, which prime minister Scott MorrisonHe was previously minister for immigration, in charge of a controversial scheme to deter asylum seekers from trying to reach Australia. recognised - but border officials refused to accept it.

While he waited for his case to be decided, he was sent to a cheap hotel to quarantine. Officials refused his request to have food prepared by a personal chef. So, the superstar known for a health regime including hyperbaric chambersDevices intended to increase the body's absorption of oxygen and speed up its ability to heal itself. and a special diet was made to eat hotel food like everyone else.

Yesterday, a judge said he could go free, although Australia's immigration minister still has powers to cancel the visa and deport him. For the player, this was enough. He was back on a tennis court within hours. 

The case is an emotional one for locals. Melbourne has spent 262 days in lockdown. Its citizens are outraged at the idea of anybody being allowed to break the rules.

Some believe Scott Morrison is using Djokovic as a scapegoat. They argue he is attempting to punish anyone who disagrees with his authoritarian Covid measures. So far, Djokovic is the most prominent person to criticise vaccination.

Djokovic claimed he was exempt because he tested positive for Covid-19 on 16 December. But he was seen at a public event the next day. Plus, the deadline for his letter was 10 December.

Djokovic's opposition to vaccines is shared by his wife JelenaThe couple met at secondary school in Serbia and live in Monaco.. She has promoted conspiracy theories about Covid-19 being caused by 5G telecommunication masts. In 2020, despite the pandemic, Novak organised a tennis tournament in four cities.

For those who support vaccine regulations, Djokovic's deportation would be an important victory. For those who believe that they are a way for world leaders like Morrison and President Macron to bully people, it would be a bitter defeat.

Yes: The Australian government wants to single out Djokovic for punishment because he is a hero to the anti-vax movement.

No: Djokovic deserves to be punished. He tried to get around the law while other unvaccinated players who followed the rules dropped out of the tournament.

Or...? Djokovic is a man who hits a ball over a net for a living, it is crazy that we should make a fuss about him when the world is in crisis.