Renata Voracova joins Novak Djokovic in immigration detention ahead of Australian Open

A Czech tennis player has joined Novak Djokovic in immigration detention after having her visa canceled, authorities confirmed Friday.

Renata Voracova was detained after being informed by Australian Border Force officials that she had to leave the country. Czech officials are seeking an explanation to the situation but said Voracova had decided to leave Australia.

"We can confirm that Czech tennis player Renata Voracova is in the same detention as Djokovic, together with several other players," the Czech Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "We submitted through our embassy in Canberra a protest note and are asking for an explanation of the situation. However, Renata Voracova decided to drop out of the tournament due to limited possibilities for training and to leave Australia."

The ABF confirmed late Friday that after further investigations into the visa status of two other people connected to the Australian Open, one voluntarily departed the country and another was taken into immigration detention pending deportation. The ABF said it would make no further comment on either person.

Djokovic, meanwhile, could stay in detention through the weekend, as his case over a medical exemption from Australia's strict COVID-19 vaccination rules has been adjourned until Monday. Djokovic, 34, has not disclosed whether he is vaccinated against the coronavirus.

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That left Djokovic to spend the Orthodox Christmas in the Park Hotel -- used to house refugees and asylum seekers near downtown Melbourne -- receiving calls from Serbia, including from his parents and the president, hoping to boost his spirits. A priest from the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church in Melbourne sought permission from immigration authorities to visit the nine-time Australian Open champion.

"Our Christmas is rich in many customs, and it is so important that a priest visits him," the church's dean, Milorad Locard, told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. "The whole thing around this event is appalling. That he has to spend Christmas in detention ... it is unthinkable."

Djokovic's supporters gathered outside the Park Hotel waving flags and banners. They mixed with human rights advocates who were there more to highlight the plight of other longer-term people in detention, many who have long complained about their living conditions and exposure to the coronavirus in the pandemic.

Hundreds of Djokovic's supporters also gathered at a rally in downtown Belgrade on Friday.

Djokovic expressed gratitude to his supporters in an Instagram story, writing "Thank you to people around the world for your continuous support. I can feel it and it is greatly appreciated."

Jelena Djokovic also posted on social media to thank her husband's supporters.

"Thank you dear people, all around the world for using your voice to send love to my husband," she tweeted. "I am taking a deep breath to calm down and find gratitude (and understanding) in this moment for all that is happening."

Thank you dear people, all around the world for using your voice to send love to my husband. I am taking a deep breath to calm down and find gratitude (and understanding) in this moment for all that is happening.