Sonali Paul (Sudipto Ganguly, Kirsty Neham)

MELBOURNE (Reuters – Novak Djokovic will surrender himself to immigration officers to be detained on Saturday. This is ahead of a court hearing regarding his fight to reverse new Australian Government orders that he was to leave the country.

According to Friday’s court order, the world’s number one tennis player had to give up to Melbourne officials for an interview at 8 AM on Saturday (at 2100 GMT Friday).

Border Force officers would accompany the 34 year-old player at his lawyer’s offices to conduct an online hearing in Federal Court at 10:00 a.m., ahead of the Sunday appeal.

Djokovic, who is the current world number 1, was told by the government that he would not be deported until his appeal has been heard. Djokovic wants to defend the title of Australian Open champion, so tournament starts on Monday.

Djokovic and his legal team filed their appeal on Friday, after Alex Hawke (Immigration Minister) used discretionary powers of the court to revoke the visa.

Hawke stated that the star unvaccinated athlete in sports should be expelled from the country for “health and good orders grounds” as well as the “public interest”.

Djokovic’s exempted medical from vaccine requirements in order to participate at the Open has provoked anger in Australia. Australia is currently under some of the toughest COVID-19 lockdowns around the globe and has seen more than 90% of its adults vaccinated. But, the hospitalisation rate continues to rise to record heights.

Global scientists and policymakers are focused on ending the pandemic and Djokovic’s refusal to get the vaccine has fuelled the anti-vaxx movement in Serbia, and other countries.

Djokovic’s attorneys stated that they believed deportation would encourage anti-vaccine sentiments and pose a danger to public health. They also said they believe that letting Djokovic stay would be more dangerous than allowing him to leave and exempting Australia from the requirement for all visitors to be immunized.

Scott Morrison is preparing for May’s election by making the controversy about the tennis player a key political issue.

The government of Scott Morrison has received support from Australians for its hardline stance regarding border security in the pandemic. However, the government is still being criticized for Djokovic’s seemingly inconsistent visa application.

Djokovic will play Miomir Kecmanovi, a fellow Serb, in the Open’s first round. He is aiming for a new record of 21st Grand Slam titles. Instead of hitting Rod Laver Arena on Monday or Tuesday, Djokovic could fly out to Melbourne and be deported.

He can also withdraw from the tournament and leave Australia at his discretion. Andrey Rublev would be in his place if he withdraws before the start of the second day.