Novak Djokovic supporters protest outside Melbourne hotel for a second day - in pictures

World No 1 is being held in a detention centre pending his appeal against deportation

Protestors gather outside an immigration detention hotel where Serbia's Novak Djokovic is believed to stay, in Melbourne, Australia. AP Photo

Novak Djokovic is fighting his visa cancellation and pending deportation in a Federal Court challenge. EPA

A woman places a "Free hugs" sign on a banner of Novak Djokovic outside the Park Hotel in Melbourne. Reuters

A supporter of Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic holds up a sign outside the Park Hotel. Reuters

Police stand guard at a government detention centre where Serbia's tennis champion Novak Djokovic is reported to be staying. AFP

An anti-vax protester holds placards at a government detention centre where Serbia's tennis champion Novak Djokovic is reported to be staying. AFP

Daniel Stepanovic, a supporter of Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic, waves a flag. Reuters

A supporter of Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic holds a decorated tennis racket. Reuters

Supporters unfurl a banner outside the Park hotel quarantine facility. EPA

As rain pelted the crowd outside Novak Djokovic's detention centre in Melbourne, shouts of "free Novak" alternate with "free refugees" as fans stand alongside activists and anti-vaccine protesters.

The vaccine-sceptic tennis ace was placed in the centre earlier this week, his visa revoked for failing to meet Australia's tough pandemic entry restrictions.

In the crowd of about 50 people that gathered for a second day of protest Friday, some displayed larger-than-life posters of the nine-time Australian Open champion while others held anti-vaccine placards. A group called "Grandmothers for Refugees" voiced support for migrants detained by the government.

Draped in flags and playing nationalistic songs, some Serbians in the crowd celebrated Orthodox Christmas Day at the protest.

"There would obviously be a lot more people here if people did not have family obligations today," said Djokovic supporter Sash Aleksic.

"You know, a lot of people don't like him, and they have their right to not like him. But what's he really done? They reckon he's arrogant because what, because he wins?"

Aleksic shared the views of some anti-government protesters in the crowd who oppose Australia's Covid-19 policies.

"Our human rights have gone out the window ... and they [are] using the medical excuses."

One man held up an anti-vaccine poster that read: "Free the Novax legend".

It is unclear how long Djokovic - who has declared himself against vaccines and claimed to have an exemption - will be held at the Melbourne facility.

Supporters gather outside Park Hotel in Melbourne where Novak Djokovic was taken pending his removal from the country after his visa was cancelled by the Australian Border Force on January 06, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. Getty Images

Anti-vaccination protesters gather outside the Park Hotel in Melbourne. Getty Images

Supporters holding Serbia flags gather outside Park Hotel where Novak Djokovic was taken pending his removal from the country. Getty Images

A tennis fan holds a sign outside the Park Hotel in Carlton, Melbourne on January 06, 2022, calling for Novak Djokovic to be released from quarantine. Getty Images

Supporters gather outside Park Hotel calling for Novak Djokovic to be released after the world No 1 was denied entry to Australia as border authorities cancelled his visa. Getty Images

Supporters gather outside Park Hotel in Melbourne. Getty Images

A supporter of Novak Djokovic wears a Serbia flag as she waits outside Park Hotel where Djokovic was taken pending his removal from the country after his visa was cancelled by the Australian Border Force. Getty Images

A supporter of Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic holds a sign outside the Park Hotel. Reuters

Supporter Slobodan Bendjo holds a Serbian flag as he waits for the latest news about Novak Djokovic being held by the Australian Border Force due to a visa issue at Melbourne Airport on January 05, 2022. Getty Images

Media and members of the local Serbian community wait outside a hotel where Serbia's tennis champion Novak Djokovic is being held after Australia said it had cancelled his entry visa, opening the way to his detention and deportation in a dramatic reversal for the tennis world No 1. AFP

Members of the local Serbian community outside a hotel where Novak Djokovic is reported to be staying in Melbourne. AFP

A protestor holds signs outside Park Hotel, where Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic is believed to be living, in Melbourne. AFP

A court is set to hear his legal challenge against his visa cancellation on Monday.

Officially known as an "alternative place of detention", the facility is home to around 32 migrants who are trapped in Australia's hardline immigration system.

Detainees cannot leave and nobody is allowed in or out except staff.

The building, which was previously the Park Hotel, was graffitied with the slogan "free them all" by refugee supporters on Thursday night, when two people were arrested as police tried to clear the area.

A detainee had stuck up a sign reading "I am looking for my freedom" on one of the windows.