Djokovic free but Australia deportation threat lingers

A woman places a 'Free hugs' sign on a banner of Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic outside the Park Hotel, where the star athlete is believed to be held while he stays in Australia, in Melbourne, Australia, January 7, 2022. REUTERS/Sandra Sanders

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic on Tuesday warmed up for his bid to win a record 21st Grand Slam title at next week's Australian Open, hitting practice shots at Melbourne Park, but he still faces the threat of deportation.

A week after his arrival in Australia, Djokovic finally reached the tennis court after a judge on Monday quashed the federal government's decision to cancel his visa.