Tennis world number one Novak Djokovic fought against deportation from Australia on Thursday after the government revoked his visa for failing to meet Covid vaccine-entry requirements.

The Serb was stopped by border officials on arrival to Australia late on Wednesday and denied entry into the country. 

He is currently being held at an immigration detention facility in Melbourne and faces deportation.

Djokovic had flown into the city's Tullamarine Airport expecting to defend his Australian Open championship, and to win an unprecedented 21st Grand Slam title. 

He had mentioned that he had obtained an exemption to play in the tournament, which begins on January 17, without being vaccinated.

Happy New Year! Wishing you all health, love & joy in every moment & may you feel love & respect towards all beings on this wonderful planet.

I’ve spent fantastic quality time with loved ones over break & today I’m heading Down Under with an exemption permission. Let’s go 2022! pic.twitter.com/e688iSO2d4

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 4, 2022

The 34-year-old has refused to reveal his vaccine status publicly, but has previously voiced opposition to being jabbed. He contracted Covid at least once. 

Australia's conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison pointed out that Djokovic failed to provide officials with evidence of double vaccination or an adequate medical exemption. 

"Rules are rules and there are no special cases," Morrison said.

Djokovic's lawyers are now arguing against that decision in court, hoping to prevent the star's deportation.

Public outcry

News that Djokovic had received an exemption to arrive in Australia without being vaccinated was met by public outcry.

Australians have been unable to travel or welcome family from overseas for much of the last two years due to tough pandemic restrictions.

According to the organizers, the defending champion has not received special treatment, but the decision has enraged many #Australians. It's worth noting that the country is now witnessing a surge in #COVID19 cases even after one of the world's harshest lockdowns.#Djokovic pic.twitter.com/fh3wjfkcom

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 5, 2022

But the Serb's treatment on arrival prompted fury among his fans and a fiercely worded diplomatic response from Serbia's president.

"The whole of Serbia is with him and... our authorities are undertaking all measures in order that maltreatment of the world's best tennis player ends as soon as possible," Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed after speaking with Djokovic over the phone.

"In line with all standards of international public law, Serbia will fight for Novak Djokovic, justice and truth," he added.

For his part, Djokovic's father stressed his son had been "held captive for five hours" at Melbourne airport and should return home to a hero's welcome.

"This is a fight for a libertarian world, this is not just a fight for Novak, but a fight for the whole world," he told Sputnik.

No apologies

Tournament organizers were also criticized, with Australian Open chief Craig Tiley insisting the defending champion had been given "no special favor".

All participants at the first Grand Slam of 2022 must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a medical exemption, which is granted only after assessment by two panels of independent experts.

Among the conditions allowing entry without a vaccine is the person having contracted COVID-19 in the past six months. It has not been revealed if that was the case with Djokovic.

Tiley explained that just 26 of the approximately 3,000 players and support staff traveling to Australia for the tournament had applied for a vaccine exemption. Only a handful had been successful.

Djokovic voiced his opposition to the COVID-19 vaccine in April 2020 when it was suggested they might be obligatory in order for tournament play to resume.

"Personally I am not pro-vaccines," indicated Djokovic at the time. "I would not like it for someone to compel me to be vaccinated so I can travel."