Djokovic thanks fans as he awaits deportation decision

Tennis star Novak Djokovic has thanked people "around the world" for their support as he awaits a decision on his deportation from Australia.

BBC News reports Djokovic landed this week to play in the Australian Open, having controversially been given an exemption to Australia's vaccination rules.

But he was dramatically denied entry on landing.

Djokovic is currently in immigration detention in Melbourne with a court challenge due on Monday.

Djokovic, who has said he is opposed to vaccination, had been granted a medical exemption to play in the tournament for unspecified reasons, in a decision that infuriated many Australians.

More than 90% of the country's adult population are fully vaccinated, but they still face restrictions as cases of infection rise.

Djokovic's exemption was given by two independent medical panels organised by Tennis Australia, the body that runs the event, and Victoria state.

The Australian Open is due to start on 17 January.

Djokovic was bidding to win the tournament for the tenth time, which would make him the men's most successful player, with 21 Grand Slams.

[Source: BBC]