Novak Djokovic conducts secret training session for Australian Open

The newly liberated world No.1 and his camp went to extraordinary lengths to keep his hit-out under wraps | WATCH

An aerial shot of Novak Djokovic practising on Rod Laver Arena with coach Goran Ivanisevic. Picture: Twitter

Novak Djokovic has spent the afternoon at Rod Laver arena practising for the Australian Open, which is set to kick off from Monday.

But the session was private and no members of the public or media, including photographers, were permitted to attend.

A broadcast helicopter was able to capture some footage from the closed session.

Novak Djokovic has taken to Rod Laver Arena alongside coach Goran Ivanisevic to train ahead of the #AusOpen this week. #9Newspic.twitter.com/IO2j2tfwus

— 9News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) January 11, 2022

Tennis Australia told The Australian this is not unusual but at about 3pm – when Djokovic is believed to have started – a live feed of the arena which was streaming on TVs inside Melbourne Park cut to black.

No elements of the session were visible at all, yet all other sessions on different courts could be viewed in real time via TV screens.

Djokovic posted a picture with his coach Goran Ivanisevic on Rod Laver to social media on Monday night, thanking his fans for their support.

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

It comes after the Serbian tennis champion was sensationally freed from detention in Melbourne after the federal circuit court overturned a commonwealth government decision to cancel his visa.

There is still a chance Djokovic could secure a tenth win at The Australian Open, but immigration minister Alex Hawke could decide to cancel his visa for a second time.

The international affair is likely to run into Wednesday after a spokesman for Mr Hawke said he was still considering his options.

“As noted yesterday in the Federal Circuit and Family Court, Minister Hawke is considering whether to cancel Mr Djokovic’s visa,” a spokesman for Mr Hawke said.

“In line with due process, Minister Hawke will thoroughly consider the matter. As the issue is ongoing, for legal reasons it is inappropriate to comment further,” the spokesman said.

It is understood a decision will not be made today.