World tennis number one, Novak Djokovic, arrives in Serbia after deportation from Australia

Novak Djokovic has landed in the Serbian capital Belgrade following his deportation from Australia over his lack of a COVID-19 vaccination.

According to Sky News, the world tennis number one arrived on a flight from Dubai a little after 12pm local time after being forced to leave the country as the Australian Open was getting under way in Melbourne.

There was no hero's welcome, however, as a small crowd, some carrying Serbian flags, waited for him outside the terminal at Nikola Tesla Airport, along with journalists.

"God bless you Novak," read one of the banners as he was whisked through passport control and customs.

His departure came after three judges in Australia upheld the government's cancellation of the Serb's visa and his deportation, capping a two-week drama over his decision not to be vaccinated against coronavirus.

Even as he arrived home, doubts were raised over whether Djokovic would be able to play in the next scheduled Grand Slam, the French Open, starting in late May.

A new law banning unvaccinated people from sports venues, restaurants and other public places, will apply to the tournament in Paris, according to Christophe Castaner, a member of the country's parliament.

France's sports ministry said on Monday there will be no exceptions to the new restrictions.

"The rule is simple. The vaccine pass will be imposed, as soon as the law is promulgated, in establishments that were already subject to the health pass," the ministry said.

"This will apply to everyone who is a spectator or a professional sportsperson. And this until further notice.

"Now, as far as Roland Garros is concerned, it's in May. The situation may change between now and then and we hope that it will be more favourable. So we'll see, but clearly there's no exemption."

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