Tennis: Novak Djokovic to stay in Australia over the weekend as court battle begins after his visa was cancelled

Novak Djokovic was initially granted a medical exemption, but this morning he was denied entry into Australia when he arrived in Melbourne. Photo / AP

Tennis star Novak Djokovic is set to stay in Australia over the weekend with the government agreeing to postpone his deportation.

The world No. 1 player did not appear for the online hearing held in the Federal Circuit and Family Court on Thursday but was represented by top barrister Nick Wood SC.

He was due to play at the Australian slam from January 17 but faced deportation after the Australian Border Force denied him entry to the country, saying he failed to meet entry requirements.

Djokovic appealed the decision, and after hearings were adjourned twice on Thursday afternoon because the necessary documents hadn't been received, the hearing went ahead this evening.

"The minister does not oppose the granting of an interim injunction that would prevent the applicant from leaving Australia today," government lawyer Christopher Tran told the court. "It would not be fair on anyone that a decision be made today...that is off the table," he said.

The case was adjourned and will resume on Monday and it's expected Djokovic will remain in immigration detention at the Park Hotel in Carlton.

BREAKING: Commonwealth government barrister Christopher Tran says Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews will not oppose an interim injunction against deporting Novak Djokovic today.

He is set to stay in Australia overnight.

— Callum Godde (@calgodde) January 6, 2022

Lawyers for the government and the player are set to file their submissions this weekend.

The move came after lawyers said Tennis Australia wanted the issue resolved by Tuesday, so organisers could ifnd a replacement if Djokovic was booted.

"If I can say with the respect necessary, the tail won't be wagging the dog here," Judge Kelly said in response.

The judge also said he was open to having the player give evidence in online court about what happened with Nick Wood saying one of the grounds would be "unreasonableness or unfairness".

This came after Judge Anthony Kelly asked about tennis facilities at the immigration hotel where Djokovic is in.

"I don't think it's unreasonable for the court to ask … whether the particular hotel at which the applicant is staying … might have available to him tennis practising facilities," the judge said. "I don't expect you to answer that, but it just seems a realistic question to pose."

It's understood Djokovic is at an immigration hotel in Carlton where supporters and refugee advocates have gathered.

Asylum seekers have been held at the facility, with lawyers previously arguing it was unfit to house them because of a Covid outbreak.

Djokovic has won the Australian Open nine times and was seeking a 10th title, which would eclipse rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.