Transcript for Will Novak Djokovic be allowed to compete?
- Now to Australia, where a high court is deciding as early as tonight, whether unvaccinated tennis star Novak Djokovic will be allowed to stay and compete. The Australian Open starts on Monday with or without the defending champ and world number one. Here's ABC'S Britt Clennet.
BRITT CLENNETT: proceedings are underway this morning, Melbourne time, to determine whether Australian immigration officials can revoke Novak Djokovic's visa and send him packing. Djokovic moments ago, seen being driven to his attorney's office after spending the night in detention. Djokovic fans and anti-vaccine protesters gathered outside the Australian Open venue in support of the servient tennis champ
Australia's immigration minister getting personally involved in the legal battle, using his special authority to cancel Djokovic's visa on the grounds of health and good order, adding it was in the public interest to do so. Djokovic's lawyers arguing it's patently irrational to say that his presence in Australia may foster anti-vaccine sentiment. Djokovic's first round matches to be played in less than 36 hours.
He's won the last three Australian Opens. He and long time rival Rafael Nadal, both seeking a record 21st Grand Slam title.
- If he's playing, finally. OK if he's not playing. With or without him. Where Djokovic should hear very soon a decision from this panel of three Australian federal court judges, if deported, he could be facing a ban from entering Australia for up to three years. Whit?
- Long lasting implications, Britt, thank you.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.