Novak Djokovic has been detained in Australia ahead of a court hearing that will determine whether the unvaccinated tennis star can stay in the country.
He faces deportation after his visa was cancelled for a second time, with the government labelling Novak Djokovic, a threat to public health.
His lawyers are appealing against what they called an “irrational” decision, with the hearing set for Sunday.
Djokovic is still scheduled to play the Australian Open on Monday in Melbourne.
If he were to win the tournament, he would become the most successful men’s tennis player in the history of the sport with 21 major titles.
But Sunday’s hearing, which has been scheduled is crucial if Djokovic is to be able to compete just hours later.
Report say If he loses the appeal, the world’s top-ranked men’s tennis player faces deportation and a three-year visa ban.
The tennis star was detained for days at an immigration hotel, before his visa was reinstated by a judge, who ordered his release, ruling that border officials ignored correct procedure when he arrived.
But on Friday evening, Immigration Minister Alex Hawke once again cancelled Djokovic’s visa under separate powers in Australia’s Migration Act.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the decision followed careful consideration.
BBC