Novak Djokovic to be detained in Australia following second visa cancellation

Australia has once again revoked the visa of tennis star Novak Djokovic in a row over his right to remain in the country unvaccinated.

Novak Djokovic’s visa has this time been cancelled on "health and good order" grounds, which now means he could be deported and get a three-year visa ban.

This is according to BBC Sport.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that the decision followed "careful consideration."

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said in a statement that he exercised his power to cancel the tennis star’s visa since it was “in the public interest”.

This comes after Djokovic addressed allegations that his agent had accidentally made a false declaration on his travel form.

Djokovic also admitted meeting a journalist and having a photoshoot after testing positive for Covid-19.

Djokovic's lawyers have called the decision "patently irrational" and say they will appeal.

The men's tennis number one is still set to play in the Australian Open, which begins on Monday. He remains in the Australian Open draw and is due to face fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanovic early next week.

At an emergency late-night court hearing shortly after the decision was announced on Friday, the Australian government's lawyer indicated Djokovic would not be deported until his appeal had run its course.

However, the government also indicated that the authorities plan to detain him after he meets immigration officials in Melbourne on Saturday morning.

Citing a government document with more details on why it was revoked, Djokovic's lawyer, Nicholas Wood, said it was not because he is a danger to the public, but because "he will excite anti-vax sentiment".

The nine-time Australian Open winner was hoping to defend his title next week, which if he won, would make him the most successful male tennis player in history with a record 21 Grand Slam titles.