'I can feel it': Novak Djokovic thanks fans for support in Australia entry row

euronews.com:

Novak Djokovic thanked his fans "around the world" on Friday in his first reaction since being sent to a detention hotel in Australia after his visa was cancelled.

The world men's tennis No.1 has appealed after being refused entry to the country over his vaccination status, ruled as incompatible with Australia's strict COVID-19 requirements.

After being granted a medical exemption to play in the Australian Open later this month, the Australian Border Force rejected his exemption as invalid.

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

He also wrote a message in Serbian thanking his family, friends, Serbia, and "good people around the world" who supported him, as well as wishing Orthodox Christians a merry Christmas.

The 34-year-old player, seeking to defend his title in Melbourne and clock up a record 21st Grand Slam title, was sent to a hotel used by immigration officials to house asylum seekers and refugees.

A small group of protesters supporting Novak Djokovic waved flags and banners outside on Friday.

The Australian government has denied reported claims by Djokovic's mother that he is a "prisoner", saying he is free to leave the country at any time.

The tennis star's treatment has triggered anger among Djokovic’s fans in his native Serbia, with his family calling for protests. Hundreds of Novak Djokovic’s supporters gathered at a rally in downtown Belgrade on Friday.

Speaking at the demonstration, his father Srdjan Djokovic described his son’s struggle to play at the Australian Open as a fight against "globalists who want to ruin everything".

“He is fighting for himself, his people and all freedom-loving nations in the