Memes rain on social media after Djokovic visa drama

World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic was denied entry into Australia on Thursday amid a storm of protest about a decision to grant him a medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccination requirements to play in the Australian Open.

The tennis star was holed up in a quarantine hotel in Melbourne as his lawyers sought an urgent injunction to allow him to stay in the country after he was detained by officials at the border.

Djokovic, who has consistently refused to disclose his vaccination status while publicly criticising mandatory vaccines, kicked off the furore when he said on Instagram he had received a medical exemption to pursue a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam win at the Open starting January 17.

While the announcement prompted outcry in Australia, pot-shots were taken at Djokovic on the internet as the saga fuelled a string of memes. Here are some that brought on more than a few chuckles…