Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic is currently in a detention hotel in Melbourne (Picture: Getty/ @__wa8 Twitter)

Novak Djokovic has allegedly been spotted blowing kisses to tennis fans outside his detention hotel as he awaits news of whether he will be deported from Australia.

The world No.1’s last 24 hours haven’t gone to plan after he touched down in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open only to be denied entry to country.

Djokovic was held in the airport for several hours before border officials announced his visa had not met entry rules and he’s now been taken to a government detention hotel where he will remain until a court will decide on his deportation on Monday.

The drama unfolded after the Serb, who has not publicly declared his coronavirus vaccine status, was handed a medical exemption to compete at the first Grand Slam of the year, due to start on January 17.

Fans of the tennis star have now taken to the streets outside his hotel room to show their support for the 34-year-old as the public row continues, which has even seen Serbia’s president claiming his nation’s most celebrated sportsman is being harassed.

Footage posted on Twitter by user @__wa8 appears to show Djokovic at the window of his hotel room blowing kisses and making a heart gesture with his hands, expressing his gratitude to his adoring fans outside.

It remains to be seen if Djokovic will be able to defend his title at the Australian Open with his visa first needing to be sorted out.

Tournament organisers have confirmed Djokovic had been granted medical exemption by two independent medical panels to play but the decision has left many Australians angry given they’ve been in lockdown for large periods over the past two years and border restrictions have been tight.

More than 90% of the Australia adult population have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, while players competing in the Australian Open are all required to be vaccinated.

Serbia fans
Supporters gather outside the hotel Novak Djokovic is staying in (Picture: Recep Sakar/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

In relation to Djokovic’s entry being denied, Australian Border Force said in a statement: ‘The ABF can confirm that Mr Djokovic failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements to Australia, and his visa has been subsequently cancelled.

‘Non-citizens who do not hold a valid visa on entry or who have had their visa cancelled will be detained and removed from Australia. The ABF can confirm Mr Djokovic had access to his phone.’

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