Novak Djokovic on Friday thanked people "around the world" for their support since he was dramatically refused entry to Australia over his Covid-19 vaccine status. The Serb, who is in a Melbourne immigration detention facility pending an appeal, said on Instagram: "Thank you to people around the world for your continuous support. I can feel it and it is greatly appreciated." Djokovic, an outspoken vaccine sceptic, was held after arriving in Australia this week to play in the Australian Open, where he was bidding to win an unprecedented 21st Grand Slam title.
Can play French Open
Australian authorities said the 34-year-old star provided no evidence of an exemption and was detained, pending deportation.
Djokovic's stance on the Covid vaccine has raised questions about his participation in other major tournaments this year.
But France's sports minister said her country would allow him to play in the French Open, the next Grand Slam tournament of the year, which starts in May, even if he was not vaccinated.
"There are health protocols imposed for major events by the relevant federations which would permit someone like Novak Djokovic to enter the country," Roxana Maracineanu said.
"In France today we do not have the same regulations as Australia for entry to the country, either for athletes or any citizens from other countries," she added.
Another player due to take part in the Australian Open, Czech player Renata Voracova, has had her visa cancelled and is in the same facility as Djokovic, her government said Friday.
Australian media reported she has been told she would have to leave the country soon, but it was not known if she would mount a legal challenge, as Djokovic has done.
International scrutiny
Djokovic's father Srdjan told a crowd in Belgrade his son was the victim of a "political witch hunt" and "corona fascism".
"Jesus was crucified and endured many things but is still alive among us," he said in a fiery speech. "Novak is also crucified... the best sportsman and man in the world."
Djokovic's detention has sparked international scrutiny, with the Serbian government demanding explanations.
"Djokovic is not a criminal, terrorist or illegal migrant, but was treated that way by the Australian authorities which causes an understandable indignation of his fans and citizens of Serbia," a foreign ministry statement said.
The country's president, prime minister and foreign minister have issued a series of nationalist-tinged remarks brimming with anger at the treatment of the national hero.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has defended revoking Djokovic's visa.
"Rules are rules and there are no special cases," he said.
Tennis players seemed divided, but some rallied around Novak.
"Look I definitely believe in taking action, I got vaccinated because of others and for my mum's health, but how we are handling Novak's situation is bad, really bad," said Australian star Nick Kyrgios on social media.
Although Djokovic won a legal reprieve from deportation until at least Monday, when his attempt to overturn his visa cancellation will be heard in court, it is unclear whether he will play in the January 17-30 tournament.
Judge Anthony Kelly warned the star's lawyers in a hearing Thursday that justice would move at its own pace through all necessary appeals. "The tail won't be wagging the dog here," he said.