Novak Djokovic has received some welcome support as he fights to stay in Australia despite having his visa revoked by border officials.
The Serbian star seemingly ended months of speculation this week when he confirmed he would be heading down under to compete in the first Grand Slam of the year, having been granted a medical exemption by tournament organisers.
But the matter didn't end there, with Djokovic landing at Melbourne Airport on Wednesday only to be refused entry through customs, with border officials interrogating him for several hours before revoking his visa.
He was due to be deported back home on Thursday but his legal team have managed to delay that process by seeking an injunction to prevent him having to leave Australia, with the outcome of their appeal due on Monday.
In the meantime, Djokovic will be confined to a Government detention hotel in Carlton, Victoria, and whilst public sympathy has been in short supply, the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) have given the world no 1 their backing.
In a released statement, the organisation said it had been "diligently monitoring the detainment" before confirming they had been in liaison with Djokovic.
"The PTPA has been in close contact with Mr. Djokovic, his family and legal counsel, government officials, and Australian Open leadership," they said.
"Mr. Djokovic has verified his well-being to us. He has also requested that we allow him to personally share the facts of his detainment in his own words and in his own time.
"With the utmost respect for all personal views on vaccinations, vaccinated athletes and unvaccinated athletes (with an approved medical exemption) should both be afforded the freedom to compete."
The PTPA added they were grateful that Djokovic was safe and able to communicate with him and vowed to continue to monitor his health, safety, and well-being.
"We look forward to his time back on the court," they concluded.
The group's stance should come as no surprise however, given it was founded by Djokovic, along with Vasek Pospisil, to represent singles players in the top 500 and doubles players in the top 200 of the ATP and WTA Rankings.
The initial announcement and launch of the PTPA was done at the US Open in August 2020, with Djokovic and and Pospisil having began discussions a year previously.
