Australia's Interior Minister on Novak Djokovic: "He can go anytime"

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Novak Djokovic (archive image)

Photo: Adam Davy / dpa

The Djokovic case has led to not inconsiderable diplomatic resentments between Serbia and Australia - and to violent allegations by the tennis professional's father.

The Australian government has now contradicted the father's claim that the tennis star was locked up like "in prison" after landing in Melbourne.

"Mr. Djokovic is not being held in Australia, he can go at any time, and the border guards would be happy to help," said Interior Secretary Karen Andrews on ABC News on Friday.

She had previously defended the actions of the authorities and told the TV channel Seven Network that the Serbian tennis professional had failed to provide the correct information for his entry into Australia: “You are required of everyone who enters the country.

If this information cannot be provided, then entry requirements for Australia are not met. "

Djokovic wants to play at the Australian Open, which starts on January 17th.

Because he is obviously unvaccinated, but usually a vaccination certificate is required before entering the country, the 34-year-old obtained a - highly controversial - medical exemption.

With this he landed on Wednesday evening (local time) in Melbourne.

Serbia's President speaks of harassment

However, the border guards did not see the entry rules met, so Djokovic had to spend two nights in a hotel for those obliged to leave the country, which also accommodates rejected asylum seekers.

Djokovic has sued against it.

A court in Melbourne wants to make a decision on Monday.

Djokovic is "in prison" in Australia, his father Srdjan railed on Thursday in a press conference in Belgrade, in which he stylized his son as a "freedom fighter".

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was also outraged about "the harassment of the best tennis player in the world," Prime Minister Ana Brnabic accused the Australian authorities of political reasons for their dealings with Djokovic.

The Serbian Foreign Ministry even asked the Australian Ambassador in Belgrade to talk to Djokovic about the "inappropriate and inhuman treatment" on Thursday.

jok / dpa