Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce says world number one men's tennis player Novak Djokovic should be deported from Australia if he has not told the truth about his exemption from vaccination rules.
Djokovic who had travelled to play in the Australian Open is in immigration detention after his entry was denied.
Joyce told the BBC rich people cannot wander around the world thinking they are above the law.
A court will decide on whether Djokovic should be deported on Monday.
The 34-year-old Serbian player who has said he is opposed to vaccination had been granted a medical exemption to play in the tournament in Melbourne for unspecified reasons, a decision that infuriated many Australians.
The exemption was given by two independent medical panels organised by Tennis Australia and Victoria state.
Australian Border Force officials say Djokovic had failed to provide appropriate evidence for entry after arriving from Dubai.
Happy New Year! Wishing you all health, love & joy in every moment & may you feel love & respect towards all beings on this wonderful planet.
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 4, 2022
I’ve spent fantastic quality time with loved ones over break & today I’m heading Down Under with an exemption permission. Let’s go 2022! pic.twitter.com/e688iSO2d4
He is being held at a hotel used for immigration detention in a Melbourne suburb.
BBC News reports Djokovic's team challenged ABF's decision, and a hearing at the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has been scheduled for Monday.
It is not yet clear whether Djokovic will remain in the same hotel until then.
