Novak Djokovic Reported Arrested After Visa Cancellation Has Been Overturned

The saga that originally saw Novak Djokovic not allowed into Australia has taken a fresh twist, with the tennis star arrested shortly after winning his court case.

On Monday morning it looked like Djokovic's battle to play in this month's Australian Open had been won, when his visa cancellation was overturned.

However reports from Australia not long after he was released from his detention claimed that the world's number one male tennis player had been arrested.

BREAKING: There's a big police presence at @DjokerNole's lawyer's office. @BlakeJohnson has the developing story. https://t.co/5zYfOfohG3 #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/NFv4suxF5Z

— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) January 10, 2022

It looks like #Djokovic has been arrested in Melbourne. Democracy in it's full glow... https://t.co/vzXC3lyWGg

— Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) January 10, 2022

Latest astonishing twist: suggestions that Djokovic has been arrested in Melbourne. Government appears determined not to be embarrassed just four months out from federal election and to deport him regardless of judge's ruling https://t.co/ROn58Oy1nG

— Oliver Brown (@oliverbrown_tel) January 10, 2022

Djokovic was initially given an exemption by the tournament to play, despite the fact that he hadn't been vaccinated, which Australia announced would be a requirement last November.

The Serbian arrived in Australia only to find there was a problem with his visa and was sent to quarantine whilst the issue was sorted.

He had a court hearing on Monday morning, with judge Anthony Kelly ruling that the cancellation of his visa should be overturned and he should be released from his detention.

Fans of the defending Australian Open champion had camped outside the hotel since Thursday, often singing songs in support of the Serbian.

At the hearing on Monday, the court had been told by Government counsel Christopher Tran that the 20 time Grand Slam winner could still face deportation.

Tran explained that Minister for Immigration, Alex Hawke, who was not the minister to initially approve the visa, could still overturn the decision.

Under special powers, Hawke could cancel Djokovic's visa, despite the judges ruling, and ban the tennis star for up to three years.

Djokovic has won the tournament a record nine times and is currently battling Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to become the first man to win 21 Grand Slam tournaments.

Nadal won a warm up tournament at Melbourne Park, where the slam will take place, on Sunday night to show his form after several months out with an injury.