Djokovic, 34, has been instructed to stay at Melbourne’s The Park Hotel, which is used to house asylum seekers and refugees, before Monday’s hearing – though Karen Andrews, Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, said on Friday he is free to leave the country “at any time that he chooses to do so and Border Force will actually facilitate that”.

The player broke his silence on Instagram, saying: “Thank you to people around the world for your continuous support. I can feel it and it is greatly appreciated.”

His wife Jelena also took to social media to express her gratitude to the player’s fans for their backing.

In Instagram and Twitter posts, Jelena Djokovic wrote: “Thank you dear people, all around the world for using your voice to send love to my husband.

“I am taking a deep breath to calm down and find gratitude (and understanding) in this moment for all that is happening.

“The only law that we should all respect across every single border is Love and respect for another human being. Love and forgiveness is never a mistake but a powerful force. Wishing you all well!”