Why Novak Djokovic's visa was cancelled as family complain he's 'prisoner' in Australia

Controversy has arisen at the Australian Open after one of tennis' biggest ever stars was ordered home.

Serbian Novak Djokovic is waiting to be deported back from Australia due to complications involving his vaccination status and the country laws regarding Covid-19.

Novak's father slammed the situation in an extraordinary rant and said: "Tonight they can throw him in a dungeon, tomorrow they can put him in chains.

"The truth is he is like water and water paves its own path. Novak is the Spartacus of the new world which won’t tolerate injustice, colonialism and hypocrisy.

"This is not a fight for the libertarian world, this is not just a fight for Novak, but a fight for the whole world!"

Novak Djokovic, pictured at Border Force in Melbourne after his flight landed on Wednesday, will have to stay in isolation in a refugee detention centre until next Monday after a court adjourned his appeal to stay in the country (TWITTER)

Currently, the 34-year-old will not be able to compete in this year's Australian Open.

So why is Djokovic being ordered to leave Australia?

Why was Novak Djokovic's visa cancelled?

A van believed to be transporting Djokovic arrives at a quarantine hotel in Melbourne on January 6 (via REUTERS)

Upon his arrival Down Under, Djokovic was stopped at customs and had his visa rejected.

Djokovic is famously critical of vaccines and the tennis star claimed to have a medical exemption in place with Tennis Australia, but his visa application was rejected upon arrival in the country.

His legal team appealed the decision, the outcome of which is expected to be on Monday, and he will remain detained in a hotel until then.

Australia's laws on Covid-19 are extremely strict and there was a backlash when it was initially revealed that Djokovic would not have to quarantine upon his arrival in Australia, despite an exemption process.

Meanwhile, leaked letters from Australia's Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, may indicate Open organisers are to blame for not informing that only fully vaccinated people could have quarantine-free entry into the country.

Who is Novak Djokovic?

Djokovic said he was given a medical exemption, and then was stopped from entering Australia (PA)

World Number 1 Novak Djokovic has a joint record of 20 grand slam titles to his name along with fellow competitors Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. He has won the Australian Open nine times.

The Serbian tennis champion has been embroiled in an antivax scandal in recent months after the star hit out against vaccinations and said he objects to members of the public being forced to get jabbed against the Covid-19 virus.

He is considered one of the game's greatest ever players, known for his athleticism, but also a polarising figure within the sport due in part to his views on vaccinations.

The Australian Open will begin on January 17.