Tennis world No.1 Novak Djokovic will remain in visa limbo until at least Monday as he fights to stave off deportation before the Australian Open.

The nine-time champion is challenging the Australian government’s decision to cancel his visa, applying for a judicial review.

He is also seeking to have officials barred from deporting him in the meantime.

But Federal Circuit Court Judge Anthony Kelly on Thursday evening said there was a delay in receiving the application for a review of the visa decisions and the temporary ban on Djokovic’s deportation.

As such, Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews’ lawyer has agreed the tennis star should not be removed from the country until Monday at least, when his case is due back before the court, unless he decides to leave of his own accord.

Djokovic’s barrister Nick Wood argued the government should be barred from deporting the 20-time grand slam champion until his visa matter is decided in full.

However, the judge shot that suggestion down, saying Djokovic could in theory launch “a cascading series of appeals” to delay his deportation.

source espn.com