Djokovic detained in Melbourne ahead of visa hearing
The tennis star is likely to be held in immigration detention overnight before a scheduled hearing in the Federal Court in Melbourne on Sunday
Men's tennis world number one Novak Djokovic has been detained by immigration officials in Melbourne, Australian news agency AAP reported Saturday.
Although the Serbian tennis star's visa was cancelled a second time on Friday, he was not detained until after he was interviewed by immigration officials Saturday.
A grey four-wheel drive and white van left his lawyers' office just before 3pm, the agency reported.
The tennis star, who is said to be unvaccinated against the coronavirus, is likely to be held in immigration detention overnight before a scheduled hearing in the Federal Court in Melbourne on Sunday.
A procedural hearing in Djokovic's visa case was held in Melbourne Saturday morning.
Djokovic is appealing against his second visa cancellation after Immigration Minister Alex Hawke cancelled it on health and good order grounds.
Legal challenge
The Serbian can't be deported while he mounts a legal challenge.
At Saturday's hearing, lawyers debated whether the case should be held before more than one judge. The time for Sunday's hearing was set and the session was adjourned.
The 34-year-old tennis star, who was due to play in the Australian Open which starts in Melbourne on Monday, will attend Sunday's hearing.
Judge Anthony Kelly of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia had referred the case to the Federal Court at an emergency hearing late Friday after Immigration Minister Alex Hawke cancelled the tennis player's visa.