Novak Djokovic?s Australian Open hopes dashed after visa cancelled at airport

Novak Djokovic's attempts to compete at the Australian Open this month have collapsed after the No 1-ranked male tennis player was told his visa has been rejected. He is due to be flown out of Melbourne on Thursday amid a spiralling outcry over a controversial "medical exemption" agreed by the tournament's organisers.

The reigning Australian Open champion was held up for several hours at passport control on Wednesday night at Tullamarine airport in Melbourne, the host city of the tournament, as he was questioned.

The Australian Border Force confirmed on Thursday morning he would not be allowed to remain in the country.

"The ABF will continue to ensure that those who arrive at our border comply with our laws and entry requirements," a statement read. "The ABF can confirm that Mr Djokovic failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements to Australia, and his visa has been subsequently cancelled.

"Non-citizens who do not hold a valid visa on entry or who have had their visa cancelled will be detained and removed from Australia. The ABF can confirm Mr Djokovic had access to his phone."

There are reports Djokovic's lawyers will challenge the decision.

Djokovic's father Srdjan said the player was moved to a room alone, separated from his team. More than five hours after they arrived in Melbourne, Goran Ivanisevic, Djokovic's coach, posted a selfie on Instagram from the airport at 5am captioned "not the most usual trip Down Under".