Djokovic Fans Dance Outside Melbourne Hotel

Supporters of Novak Djokovic gathered outside the player’s detention hotel in Melbourne on January 9 as the player sought to appeal the cancellation of his entry visa ahead of the Australian Open.

A bid by the Australian government to delay a court hearing to January 12 was rejected by a federal circuit judge, with the hearing set to go ahead on Monday, January 10.

According to court filings, Djokovic’s lawyers say he was granted a visa on November 18. An exemption certificate was issued by Tennis Australia’s chief medical officer on December 30, they said.

Videos filmed by journalist Najma Sambul show a festive atmosphere on Sunday evening as fans and protesters chanted and danced to Serbian music outside the hotel in Melbourne. Credit: Najma Sambul via Storyful