Novak Djokovic moved to quarantine hotel in Melbourne; court records show team files injunction

 

After being held at the city's airport overnight, the 34-year-old was reportedly told he would be removed from the country later on Thursday.

Australia's Border Force confirmed Djokovic's visa had been revoked, while Djokovic's injunction request against the visa cancellation was listed for hearing at 4pm (0500 GMT) in the Federal Circuit and Family Court, according to court documents - a hearing which was later adjourned until 6pm (0700 GMT).

The decision to grant Novak Djokovic an exemption to play in the Australian Open is the first place had been heavily criticized

The saga has created an international incident with the Serbian president claiming harassment of its star player.

"There are no special cases, rules are rules," Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said at a televised media briefing.

Nadal: Djokovic knew the risks

Rafael Nadal has said Djokovic knew for months he could potentially face problems in Australia if he arrived without being vaccinated against COVID-19.

"Of course, I don't like the situation that is happening," Nadal told reporters after winning his match at the Melbourne Summer Set ATP 250 tournament. "In some way, I feel sorry for him.

"But at the same time, he knew the conditions since a lot of months ago, so he makes his own decision."

The whole of Serbia is with Djokovic'

Serbia's president Aleksandar Vucic made his stance clear and criticized how the world No 1 had been treated.

"I just finished a phone conversation with Novak Djokovic," Vucic wrote on Instagram.

"I told our Novak that the whole of Serbia is with him and that our authorities are taking all measures to stop the harassment of the best tennis player in the world in the shortest possible period.

"By all norms of international public law, Serbia will fight for Novak Djokovic, for justice and truth."

Djokovic has not made public on what grounds his medical exemption had been. Tournament director Craig Tiley had said it would be "helpful" for the 34-year-old to clarify his situation on what exempts him from vaccination.

"We would love...Novak to talk about it and help us with it, but ultimately it's going to be up to him," Tiley told reporters. "We aren't in a position, even legally, to disclose other people's medical information."