Novak Djokovic denied entry to Australia amid vaccine backlash

(News 1st); Tennis star Novak Djokovic has had his visa to enter Australia dramatically revoked on his arrival in Melbourne.

The world number one was held in the city's airport for several hours before border forces announced he had not met entry rules and would be deported.

It came a day after he was granted an exemption from vaccination rules to play in the Australian Open.

Australian PM Scott Morrison said no one was above the rules, and Djokovic is reportedly challenging the decision.

Shortly after his arrival in Melbourne, authorities noticed that his team had not requested a visa that permits medical exemptions for being unvaccinated.

Djokovic has not spoken about his vaccination status, but last year he said he was "opposed to vaccination".

Prime Minister Scott Morrison tweeted: "Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules." ​