Novak Djokovic’s Melbourne hotel has been used as an immigration detention centre since 2020

Novak Djokovic is being held in an infamous hotel ‘prison’ where asylum-seekers have complained about being served food covered in maggots and mould.

The world No 1 was transferred to the Park Hotel in Carlton, Melbourne, on Thursday after being detained at the city’s airport. 

The facility is used as an immigration detention centre and more than 30 asylum-seekers are currently housed there under guard, with windows sealed shut.

Last month, an Iraqi asylum-seeker who is being held at the hotel — which is described as ‘luxurious’ and ‘4.5 stars’ on its website —posted pictures of a meal which appeared to contain maggots and mouldy bread.

‘I was shocked. The food they’ve been delivering is putting people in danger,’ said Mustafa Salah. ‘Even an animal cannot eat this type of food.’

Refugee Mostafa Azimitabar was detained at the hotel for 15 months and described it as a ‘prison’. He tweeted on Thursday: ‘Refugees are still imprisoned there in tiny rooms without fresh air. No one deserves this. Let’s not forget the people who will remain after Novak leaves.’

Djokovic, who reportedly found insects in his hotel room on Thursday, had a request to be moved to a rented apartment rejected.

Great Britain were knocked out of the ATP Cup on Thursday. Dan Evans and Jamie Murray beat USA pair Taylor Fritz and John Isner, but Canada won the group.