Dozens of protesters gathered in front of the immigration hotel where Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic is being held in Melbourne on Saturday, to show support while his legal team defies the government's decision to deport him.

Demonstrators could be seen waving Serbian flags and playing Serbian songs outside the hotel.

"He is our blood we are all Serbs and we think vaccinated or not everyone should have a choice, everyone has their freedom rights," a protester said.

Djokovic is claiming the Australian government is holding him captive for not complying with the vaccine restrictions needed to compete in the Australian Open.

The Australian government claims Djokovic is not being held against his will and is allowed to leave the country when he pleases.