Novak Djokovic visa: Australia says tennis star not being held captive, but he is in "immigration detention in Melbourne"

Djokovic's father:
"The whole free World together with Serbia should rise, this isn't a battle for Serbia or Novak, it is a battle for 7 billion people".pic.twitter.com/o5lX3902qm

— Based Serbia (@SerbiaBased) January 6, 2022

Novak Djokovic is not being held captive in Australia, a top official says, as the men's world number one tennis player faces deportation over Covid vaccination rules. 

The Serb star remains in immigration detention in Melbourne after being denied entry on Wednesday. 

A court challenge is due on Monday, a week before the Australian Open begins. 

Czech player Renata Voracova has also had her Australian visa cancelled, local media reported on Friday. 

Now more uncertainty surrounds the schedule of the tournament that Djokovic has won nine times. A 10th win would see him become the men's most successful player, with 21 Grand Slams. 

Djokovic, who has said he is opposed to vaccination, had been granted a medical exemption to play in the tournament for unspecified reasons, in a decision that infuriated many Australians. 

More than 90% of the country's adult population are fully vaccinated, but they still face restrictions as cases of infection rise.

GO READ THE WHOLE THING.