Novak Djokovic's visa saga is far from over but the world number one finally stepped foot on centre court at Melbourne Park on Tuesday for his first official practice session.
The Serb won a landmark hearing on Monday over the cancellation of his visa on arrival in Australia last week and wasted little time resuming his preparations as he bids to become the first male player to win 21 grand slam titles.
Djokovic underwent a behind-closed-doors practice session on Rod Laver Arena, with some news channels capturing footage of the session from helicopters above.
However, according to senior tennis reporter Ben Rothenberg, the reception for Djokovic inside the player area on arrival to Melbourne Park wasn't all that welcoming.
Rothenberg tweeted: "From someone in the #AusOpen player area: “[Djokovic] came to the gym before his hit. The place went silent with everyone staring. Talk about uncomfortable.”
From someone in the #AusOpen player area:
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 11, 2022
“[Djokovic] came to the gym before his hit. The place went silent with everyone staring. Talk about uncomfortable.”
Djokovic was successful in having the cancellation of his visa by the federal government overturned on Monday, but his stay in Australia is still not assured.
Immigration Minister Alex Hawke still holds the power to deport Djokovic and will "thoroughly" consider ordering him to leave the country before the Australian Open starts next week.
If Djokovic is deported, he will not be able to return to Australia for a further three years.
“As noted yesterday in the Federal Circuit and Family Court, Minister Hawke is considering whether to cancel Mr Djokovic’s visa under section 133c (3) of the Migration Act,” a spokesperson for Mr Hawke said on Tuesday.
“In line with due process, Minister Hawke will thoroughly consider the matter."
Back on a court he's familiar with. Men's World Number 1 @DjokerNole practiced this afternoon ahead of the @AustralianOpen as he awaits a decision on his visa from Immigration Minister @AlexHawkeMP. Full details shortly on @SBSNews. Vision courtesy of @TennisAustralia. pic.twitter.com/NojzXOjnJu
— Adrian Arciuli (@Adrian_Arciuli) January 11, 2022
While Djokovic spend Tuesday practicing ahead of his Australian Open singles titles defence, further details around his controversial arrival in Australia were being revealed.
It's been confirmed the 34-year-old contracted COVID-19 on December 16th, which is what enabled him to enter the country unvaccinated.
However, photos emerged on social media showing Djokovic attending various public events the day after discovering he was positive with the virus.
It's also been revealed Djokovic misled Australia Border Patrol officials on arrival to the country by incorrectly declaring he had not travelled anywhere else in the 14 days prior to his arrival Down Under, despiting flying between Serbia and Spain at the turn of the new year.
Tightening the pressure around the Djokovic situation is the fact the men's singles draw is due for release on Thursday night (AEST).
