Defiant Djokovic joined by Czech player in Aus hotel

Men's tennis world number one, Novak Djokovic, is not the only player to be detained inside this immigration hotel in Melbourne, Australia.

Czech doubles specialist Renata Voracova became the second Australian Open participant to be held here on Friday (January, 7) and have her visa cancelled by the Australian Border Force, in a sweep by authorities on players entering the country with vaccination exemptions.

The Czech Foreign Ministry said in a statement that several other players were caught in the same situation, adding that it had made a diplomatic protest.

But unlike Djokovic, Voracova has decided to drop out of the tournament and leave Australia.

The Australian Border Force (ABF) said on Friday (January 7) that one person had voluntarily left Australia while a third person's visa had also been canceled. It did not give names.

Djokovic took to Instagram on Friday to thank his supporters around the world amid the visa row, many of whom have gathered outside his immigration hotel.

The men's tennis player, who has consistently refused to disclose his vaccination status, was granted an exemption to enter the country by Tennis Australia and the Victoria State government - however the State does not have the authority to issue visas to international visitors.

Djokovic now awaits a detention hearing scheduled for Monday (January, 10), which should reveal more details about the exemption granted to the player and the documentation he provided at the border to support it.

Whatever the outcome, France's sports minister has confirmed Djokovic will be allowed to play in the French open later this year, even if he isn't vaccinated against Covid-19.