"It's Not Okay": Novak Djokovic's Detention In Australia Over Visa Row Enrages Serbs

The detention of world number one Novak Djokovic in Australia over his alleged failure to meet pandemic entry requirements has fuelled anger and charges of racism in his native Serbia.

The detention of world number one Novak Djokovic in Australia over his alleged failure to meet pandemic entry requirements has fuelled anger and charges of racism in his native Serbia. Hundreds have rallied in support of the tennis star, the president has evoked a "political witch hunt" and Serbia's religious leader has called for the nation to offer prayers for their favourite son. The vaccine-sceptic tennis star was detained after arriving in Australia earlier this week for failing to "provide appropriate evidence" of double vaccination -- the necessary medical exemption needed to enter the country.

Although Serbia got off to a strong start with Covid vaccinations, the drive has stalled. That has been blamed on widespread scepticism fuelled by a lack of trust in the government and other institutions as a result of frequent corruption scandals and a general lack of transparency.

Djokovic's fate remains uncertain with his deportation order pending after winning a temporary reprieve Thursday.

"Thank you to people around the world for your continuous support. I can feel it and it is greatly appreciated," the men's tennis world number one, who is in a detention facility in Melbourne awaiting an appeal, said on Instagram.

"It's a shame what is going on," said Dusan Stojic, a 67-year-old pensioner, who shed tears during a demonstration in Belgrade.