The world tennis number one arrived on a flight from Dubai a little after 12pm local time after being forced to leave the country as the Australian Open was getting under way in Melbourne.

There was no hero's welcome, however, as a small crowd, some carrying Serbian flags, waited for him outside the terminal at Nikola Tesla Airport, along with journalists.

"God bless you Novak," read one of the banners as he was whisked through passport control and customs.

His departure came after three judges in Australia upheld the government's cancellation of the Serb's visa and his deportation, capping a two-week drama over his decision not to be vaccinated against coronavirus.

French Open doubts

Even as he arrived home, doubts were raised over whether Djokovic would be able to play in the next scheduled Grand Slam, the French Open, starting in late May.

A new law banning unvaccinated people from sports venues, restaurants and other public places, will apply to the tournament in Paris, according to Christophe Castaner, a member of the country's parliament.

France's sports ministry said on Monday there will be no exceptions to the new restrictions.

"The rule is simple. The vaccine pass will be imposed, as soon as the law is promulgated, in establishments that were already subject to the health pass," the ministry said.

Novak Djokovic visa saga: How it all went wrong for the tennis superstar

"This will apply to everyone who is a spectator or a professional sportsperson. And this until further notice.

"Now, as far as Roland Garros is concerned, it's in May. The situation may change between now and then and we hope that it will be more favourable. So we'll see, but clearly there's no exemption."

Beaten by Australia's courts and COVID rules

The judges upheld the visa cancellation on public interest grounds - meaning Djokovic could not defend his Australian Open title - a tournament he has won nine times.

In a statement following the court's decision, Djokovic said he was "extremely disappointed with the ruling" and he would be "taking some time to rest and to recuperate".

He added: "I am uncomfortable that the focus of the past weeks has been on me and I hope that we can all now focus on the game and tournament I love."

His visa was revoked for a second time on Friday after immigration minister Alex Hawke said the Serbian's presence in Australia posed a public health risk.

The minister argued that Djokovic risked whipping up anti-vaccination sentiment and causing civil unrest during Australia's worst outbreak of COVID since the pandemic began.

Djokovic deportation 'will keep Australians safe', says PM

Following Sunday's hearing, Mr Hawke said he welcomed the ruling to uphold his decision to cancel Djokovic's visa "in the public interest".

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison also welcomed the federal court's ruling, saying the decision will help "keep our borders strong and keep Australians safe".

Djokovic had argued in an court that he should be allowed to stay and compete because a recent coronavirus infection meant he was exempt from strict vaccination rules.

More than 95% of all the top 100 men and women tennis players in their tours' respective rankings are vaccinated.