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He was seen very briefly.
Then he was back in the deportation hotel.
Australian authorities have revoked Novak Djokovic's visa for the second time.
This is how one of the most spectacular cases in tennis history goes into the next round.
Ten days ago, Djokovic arrived in Melbourne.
Since then it's no longer about the sport.
It's about inconsistencies surrounding Djokovic's positive PCR test in December, incorrect information on the entry form, court cases - and ultimately the question: Can the world number one compete or does he have to leave?
The theme overshadows everything.
This annoys some other players.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, tennis pro:
»He got a lot of attention.
Not enough has been said about tennis in recent weeks.
This is a pity."
Alex de Minaur, tennis pro:
»It distracts from us players who just want to get started.
We just want to go out and play the tournament."
In terms of content, the competition expresses itself cautiously and cautiously about the case.
Alexander Zverev, tennis pro:
"I don't know enough about the situation.
But I think if it weren't for Novak Djokovic, the world number one with 20 Grand Slams, the excitement wouldn't be so great.
I believe that."
Rafael Nadal, tennis pro:
"I have respect for him, even if I don't agree with a lot of things he's done in the past few weeks."
Alexander Zverev, tennis pro:
»The Australian federal government and the government in Victoria should have expressed themselves more clearly beforehand.
And I don't think it's really fair that someone comes here first and then isn't allowed to play.«
Many Australians, on the other hand, have a stronger opinion of the case after many months of massive restrictions due to the corona virus.
Amity Sands Morris, passer-by in Melbourne:
"I think Djokovic's case is a slap in the face, especially after we've spent so much time in lockdown over the past two years."
Tina Mertoiu:
»I hope that the government and the judges will stand their ground and say no.
If you don't want to get vaccinated and don't want to follow our rules, you can't get in."
Washington Bgoni, passerby in Melbourne:
"I think to make an announcement to the rest of the world that we are doing what we have asked for ourselves in recent years, Djokovic should sit out this time."
Tia Rozen, passer-by in Melbourne:
»No one was able to see his family, everyone endured pain and loss just because of the pandemic.
So why is it fair that he can do whatever he wants unvaccinated while the rest of the public and Australia is stuck.”
In addition, the conflict has long since become a political issue.
Djokovic is now a symbol for opponents of vaccination, and the tennis star also gets support from them in Australia.
And he gets it from Serbia anyway, unconditionally. In the past few days, his family has repeatedly caused a stir with crude statements, but the Serbian President has also intervened for a long time - and suspects a conspiracy.
Aleksandar Vucic, Serbian President:
»I would like to come back to something more important and that is the issue of morality. If you wanted to prevent Novak Djokovic from winning his tenth Australian Open in Melbourne - why didn't you deport him immediately? Why didn't you tell him it's impossible to get a visa? Why are you harassing him, and not just him, but his family, a whole country that is libertarian and free? Is that necessary to win an election?”
His lawyers have appealed against the recent decision to revoke Djokovic's visa again.
So the case is far from over.
So the Australian Open will not be about tennis for a little longer.