Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic is set to stay in Australia for now, with the government agreeing to postpone the top player’s deportation
The world No. 1 player did not appear for the online hearing held in the Federal Circuit and Family Court on Thursday but was represented by barrister Nick Wood SC.
The Serbian tennis star was due to play at the Australian Open on January 17.
But after hearings were adjourned twice on Thursday afternoon because the necessary documents hadn’t been received, the hearing went ahead this evening.
“The minister does not oppose the granting of an interim injunction that would prevent the applicant from leaving Australia today,” government lawyer Christopher Tran told the court.
“It would not be fair on anyone that a decision be made today...that is off the table,” he said.
The case was adjourned and will continue on Monday.
Djokovic will stay in the immigration detention at the Park Hotel in Carlton.
The case will resume next week.