A visa hearing for Novak Djokovic is scheduled for Sunday at 9.30 a.m. (10.30 p.m. Saturday UK time) at the Federal Court of Australia.

According to an eyewitness, Djokovic arrived at a migrant detention hotel on Saturday afternoon (local time).

Djokovic’s lawyers say his visa was revoked not because the Serbian player had not been vaccinated because of a public health risk, but because of how he could be perceived by anti-vaxxers in the country.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison himself welcomed the prospect of Djokovic’s deportation from Australia, saying: “Australians have made many sacrifices during this pandemic, and they rightly expect it. The outcome of these sacrifices can be protected.” Is. “

But Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic denounced the Australian government, accusing Djokovic of “harassing” and “misconduct”, asking him if he was trying to score political points before the next election.

tennis star His visa was canceled for the first time on his arrival in Melbourne last week. covid Vaccination exemption was questioned.

But, he Won legal challenge against cancellation which allowed them to stay in the country.

At the time, the Australian government said it would continue to consider whether he could stay, a decision left to the discretion of Immigration Minister Alex Hawke.

Mr Hawke announced on Friday that the Serb’s visa had been revoked, this time for public health reasons.

At a court hearing, Djokovic’s lawyers sought an injunction preventing his deportation from the country, saying the reasons for Mr Hawke’s decision were “extremely irrational”.

Djokovic’s lawyers were pushing for a hearing on Sunday in the hope of a decision on it before the start of the Australian Open.

Djokovic is set to play his first-round match against fellow Serbian Miomir Kekmanovic on Monday.

Novak Djokovic tries to explain ‘error’ on Australian entry visa form

Mr Hawke said on Friday: ‘Today I exercised my power under section 133c(3) of the Migration Act to annul the grounds of health and good order by Mr Novak Djokovic, on the grounds that it is in the public interest Was. To do so,” he said in a statement.

“The Morrison Government is strongly committed to protecting Australia’s borders, particularly in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said, referring to the prime minister.

Djokovic vs Australia: What both sides have said so far

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“They hope that the outcome of these sacrifices will be safe,” he said. “The pandemic has been incredibly difficult for every Australian, but we have stuck together and saved lives and livelihoods.

“Our strong border security policies have kept Australia safe before COVID and now during the pandemic. ,

There has been criticism of how the Australian government has handled the situation, but public opinion is in favor of sending Djokovic home.

Australian number one Alex de Minaur said he was tired of watching Djokovic’s saga at the Australian Open and wanted the spotlight to return to tennis.

“I think first of all this whole situation has distracted us from the competition,” the 32nd seed told reporters at Melbourne Park on Saturday.

“I think it takes us away from competitors who are just looking to start. We can’t wait to get out there and compete. The Australian Open is always an amazing event, my home slam, my Favorite Tournament.

“To be honest, I’m ready to put it behind me and focus on my tennis matches, like let my tennis do the talking.”