VISA Row: Novak Djokovic appreciates support from people

New Delhi : Tennis star Novak Djokovic broke his silence over the visa row due to which he was denied entry into Australia; he is currently under the detention facility.

He posted on Instagram: "Thank you to people around the world for your continuous support. I can feel it and it is greatly appreciated."

Djokovic was held at the Australian airport when he arrived to take part in the Australian Open.

His visa was revoked after he failed to fulfil the mandatory pandemic restrictions. Around 50 of his supporters -- a mix of tennis fans, anti-vaccine demonstrators and immigrant rights activists -- rallied in the rain Friday, the Orthodox Christmas, outside the detention facility in Melbourne where it is thought he is being held.

"We come out to support him just because it's our Christmas and obviously he's going through a lot," said fan Sash Aleksic.

"There would obviously be a lot more people here if people did not have family obligations today."

Foreigners are still mostly banned from travel to Australia, and those granted entry must be fully vaccinated or have a medical exemption.

Djokovic said he had secured an exemption to play in the Australian Open this month, but the Australian government said he did not meet the stricter standard required to enter the country.