Protester disrupts Australian Open final between Nadal and Medvedev - in pictures

Intruder came close to Daniil Medvedev before being hauled away by security in Melbourne on Sunday

A protester is detained by security after jumping onto the court during the Australian Open final between Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev in Melbourne on Sunday, January 30, 2022. AFP

A protester is stopped during the final between Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open. EPA

A protester is stopped Australian Open final on Sunday. EPA

A protester is apprehended during the final between Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev at Rod Laver Arena. Getty

Security remove a protester after invading the court during the final between Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev. EPA

Police and security official take away a protestor during the men's final between Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev in Melbourne. AFP

A protester is detained by security during the Australian Open in Melbourne on Sunday. AFP

A refugee rights activist is detained by security after jumping onto the court in Melbourne. AFP

Daniil Medvedev is guarded by security as a protester enters the court on Sunday. Getty

A security guard tackles a protester who jumped onto Rod Laver Arena on Sunday. AP

The Australian Open final between Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev in Melbourne was disrupted on Sunday in dramatic circumstances as a protester jumped onto the court.

Medvedev made an excellent start at Rod Laver Arena as he dominated the first set. However, the match was halted during the second set when a man waving a banner jumped out of the crowd and entered the court.

He was only metres from Medvedev but was immediately tackled by several security men and hauled away before the match resumed.

The intruder was protesting the treatment of refugees in the country. He held up a banner saying “abolish refugee detention”.

Australia's immigration laws have come into sharp focus since Novak Djokovic's failed attempt to feature at the Australian Open.

The Serb, 34, was deported from Australia after an 11-day saga involving two visa cancellations, two court challenges and five nights in two stints at an immigration detention hotel where asylum seekers are held.

Djokovic’s days in Australia were largely spent in the Park Hotel, which is used for immigration detention, while he fought in the courts to stay in Melbourne. This was welcomed by refugee advocates for the international attention it brought on 60 other people kept in the same high-rise building because they don’t have visas.

Djokovic deported after losing Australian visa cancellation appeal