Novak Djokovic met with awkward silence in Melbourne Park players’ area

Novak Djokovic’s return to Melbourne Park’s centre court turned uncomfortable when he entered the players’ area.

Djokovic won his Federal Court case against the Home Affairs Minister on Monday evening. Picture: AFP

Despite having an Australian Border Force investigation hanging over his head, Novak Djokovic on Tuesday returned to centre court at Melbourne Park.

Less than 24 hours after Djokovic won a court hearing to have the decision to cancel his visa quashed, the world No.1 men’s star hit balls with his team, but cameras that catch the centre court action were deactivated.

However, Djokovic was reportedly met with silence and stares from fellow players in the gym at the compound.

Tennis journalist Ben 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’”.

The only footage of the nine-times Australian Open champion was captured on a drone with his team later turning their camera on the unwanted visitor.

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.”

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 11, 2022

JUST IN: Novak Djokovic hitting on Rod Laver Arena #AusOpen@[e-mail]/dglLUnjfmE

— Clint Stanaway (@cstanaway) January 11, 2022

Full lolz that the only footage possible of the guy going for the all-time mens slam record has to be acquired via *drone* because #AusOpen is locking him away out of sight.

What a bizarre timeline we’re in. https://t.co/kM540STijy

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 11, 2022

Novak Djokovic practices on centre court on Tuesday. Picture: Scott Barbour/Tennis Australia

Midnight training after ‘biggest win’ in career

Novak Djokovic said he was still hoping to compete in the Australian Open after winning a stunning victory over the Australian government in his visa battle.

The world No.1 wasted little time getting back to business, posting a photo on social media showing him on court in tennis gear in Melbourne with coach Goran Ivanisevic and other members of his support staff.

It came as Djokovic’s family, including father Srdjan Djokovic, rallied around the Serbian tennis superstar hours after winning his court battle.

During a press conference held in Belgrade, Djokovic’s family praised Australia’s justice system after his visa cancellation was overturned on Monday.

Djokovic had been scheduled to appear by video link but instead issued a 12.17am tweet.

I’m pleased and grateful that the Judge overturned my visa cancellation. Despite all that has happened,I want to stay and try to compete @AustralianOpen
I remain focused on that. I flew here to play at one of the most important events we have in front of the amazing fans. 👇 pic.twitter.com/iJVbMfQ037

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 10, 2022

The world tennis number one said: “I’m pleased and grateful that the Judge overturned my visa cancellation. Despite all that has happened, I want to stay and try to compete [in the Australian Open].

“I remain focused on that. I flew here to play at one of the most important events we have in front of the amazing fans.

“For now I cannot say more but THANK YOU all for standing with me through all this and encouraging me to stay strong.’’ Djokovic said.

For now I cannot say more but THANK YOU all for standing with me through all this and encouraging me to stay strong 🙏🙏🙏🙏

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 10, 2022

When Australian journalists asked about whether Djokovic had been mixing with the public in the days after his positive results in December, brother Djordje Djokovic said everything was on the public record and quickly adjourned the press conference.

During the press conference which took place at midnight AEST, Djordje said justice had prevailed for the Serbian star.

“Truth and justice have come out and we want to thank the justice system of Australia,” he said.

He said the family had found the time particularly challenging.

“We as a family found it very difficult. We are very emotional about my brother, it is very difficult,” he said.

“We are fighters for justice and rule of law and we have everything we could to follow all the procedures.”

“This is a reason for celebration … our family is very pleased that justice, truth has prevailed.

“Novak is an honest and exceptional man. I’m very happy the rule of justice exists.”

Novak Djokovic’s family have thrown their support around the World No. 1 from Belgrade.

His mother, Dijana Đoković, lashed out at the Australian government over his treatment in detention.

“He always fought for justice he has done nothing wrong he hasn't broken any of their laws. and he was subjected to torture and harassment,” she said.

“He fought against the system and the government because he thought he had the right to be there.”

Ms Đoković said she feared for her son’s well being throughout the ordeal.

“We had no idea whether he was well … those are the things that me as a mother cannot explain and not recover from easily,” she said.

She thanked supporters, including those who rallied in support of the tennis star outside of his lawyer’s CBD office on Monday afternoon.

The streets of Melbourne’s CBD descended into chaos outside the offices of the lawyer who represented the world No.1. Picture: AFP

“I want to thank everyone in the world who stood up and supported him,” she said.

“Our people gave him support … he could hear [the singing and dancing outside of the office], he could see it.”

She added, “I think this is the biggest win in his career.”

His uncle said the experience would make him stronger.

His father, Srđan Đoković, said the tennis star was deprived of his human rights throughout his time in detention.

But Mr Đoković had kinder words for judge Anthony Kelly who presided over his case

“the judge was fantastic … he took the only decision that was possible,” he said.

“Taking away [Novak’s] right has not been successful because justice and the rule of law had prevailed.”

The Serbian star’s win, he added, was a win for the “free world.”

Djordje said the tennis star had “nothing but love” for the country despite his ordeal.

“We have just pure love for all of the world,” he said.

“We love Australia, Novak loves Australia, he’s won it so many times, we will keep on coming back.”

Novak Djokovic has tweeted for the first time after being released from detention. Picture: Getty Images

In an epic day of drama, Djokovic’s bid to win a record-breaking 21st grand slam still remains under a cloud despite winning in court as the government could yet enact further action to re-detain and deport Djokovic.

At 9pm AEDT on Monday night, a spokesman for Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said he was still considering the matter and the process remained “ongoing”.

The streets of Melbourne descended into chaos as the news broke with Victorian police forced to use pepper spray against Djokovic’s loyal supporters who congregated outside his lawyer’s office calling for his freedom.

The escalating situation followed explosive claims by Djokovic’s family that Australian authorities were seeking to detain him in Melbourne.

That was later confirmed to be not the case.

Djokovic won his Federal Court case against the Home Affairs Minister on Monday evening. Picture: AFP

Djokovic’s father also launched a scathing attack on the Australian government, referring to Prime Minister Scott Morrison as a “dictator.”

Srdjan Djokovic called on the Queen to intervene and protect her son after the visa saga took more dramatic turns on Monday.

In a speech delivered to Serbian media and that has been translated to English, Srdjan said Australia had become a mockery of the free world.