Djokovic back at detention hotel as he awaits final court decision

Tennis star Novak Djokovic is back at the same detention hotel in Australia where he was held last week after authorities canceled his visa for a second time.

The 34-year-old Serb, who is unvaccinated against COVID-19, arrived at the Melbourne hotel on January 15 and will stay overnight ahead of a scheduled hearing in a federal court on January 16 on his appeal against deportation.

The hearing is expected to determine whether the tennis star can stay in Australia and compete for his 10th Australian Open title and record his 21st Grand Slam trophy. The world No. 1 and defending champion is still scheduled to play in the tournament, which starts on January 17, but the wrangling in the court of law has left his chances of actually being able to compete up in the air.

His challenge was moved to a higher court after Immigration Minister Alex Hawke blocked his visa, which was originally revoked when he landed at a Melbourne airport last week, touching off the saga, which has angered the Serb government and many Serbians. The process will start on Sunday 09:30 Melbourne time.