Australian Govt Cancels Novak Djokovic's Visa After Holding Him 'Hostage' For Hours

As Novak Djokovic's detention at Melbourne Airport extends beyond six hours, his father Srdan tells media, via @sunriseon7: 'They are holding my son captive. If they don't release him in the next half an hour, we will fight them on the street.'

— Oliver Brown (@oliverbrown_tel) January 5, 2022

Just to be crystal clear here

2 separate medical boards approved his exemption

And politicians are stopping it

Australia doesn’t deserve to host a grand slam https://t.co/3B6lt4u9Mq

— Tennys Sandgren (@TennysSandgren) January 5, 2022

Novak Djokovic has had his visa cancelled and will be flown out of Australia after traveling to the country in search of his 10th Australian Open singles championship, according to a report from The Age and Sydney Morning Herald.

This comes after Djokovic was denied entry into Australia when he arrived in Melbourne for the tournament. Djokovic was granted a medical exemption from tournament organizers to compete in the event, even though he is not vaccinated against COVID-19. All players and staff at the tournament must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an exemption granted by an expert independent panel in order to take part in the event.

The Victorian government reportedly rejected a late-night request to accommodate Djokovic's visa just hours before he landed in Melbourne, but Djokovic's lawyers are reportedly in the process of challenging the country's decision.

Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic is getting involved in Djokovic's visa situation.

"I've just finished my telephone conversation with Novak Djokovic," Vucic posted on Instagram. "I told our Novak that the whole of Serbia is with him and that our bodies are doing everything to see that the harassment of the world's best tennis player is brought to an end immediately.

"In line with all norms of international law, Serbia will fight for Novak, truth and justice. Novak is strong, as we all know."

Yes, @MariaSharapova I would like to match your $25k donation to double the aid sent to these communities. We stand by you, #Australia. 🙏🏼 https://t.co/wiUZHzg9cz

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 6, 2020

Mr Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant.

— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 5, 2022