Novak Djokovic has been dramatically refused entry to Australia, potentially wrecking his defence of his Australian Open crown barely 24 hours after it looked to have been rescued.

In what was fast becoming a major diplomatic incident, Djokovic was told he was being deported after he was detained at Melbourne Airport amid claims he had attempted to enter the country using invalid documents following a mix-up with his visa.

The world No 1's lawyers challenged the decision and an injunction request against an immediate deportation was not opposed by government officials, meaning he can remain in Melbourne until Monday at the very least to fight his case as the appeal process is carried out.

But there were also question marks over whether Djokovic had adequate documentation to support the “medical exemption” he was granted to allow him to play at the first grand slam of the year, which could yet result in him being forced to fly home in the coming days. Djokovic has not revealed his vaccination status but has said he is "opposed" to vaccines.

Read the full story here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2022/01/05/novak-djokovic-refused-entry-australia-visa-cancelled-deported/

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