Australia says Djokovic is not a 'prisoner'

(ANSA) - Amid accusations from the family of tennis player Novak Djokovic, Australia's Home Minister Karen Andrews said on Friday (7) that the Serbian athlete is not a "prisoner" as he can leave the country whenever he wants.

"Djokovic is not stuck in Australia, he is free to leave the country whenever he wants, something that the border authorities would facilitate," the politician said in an interview with ABC.

The stance taken by Australian authorities was not well received, especially in Serbia, so much so that the city of Belgrade was the scene of a demonstration in support of the world's number 1 tennis player. Among the hundreds of people who participated in the event were some members of the athlete's family.

Dijana, Djokovic's mother, stated that her son is being treated like a "prisoner." Meanwhile, the multi-champion's father, Srdjan, commented that the tennis player was "imprisoned" and "humiliated" by the Australian government.

"The Australian government wanted to humiliate him, he was arrested and everything was taken from him, including his wallet. They left him with nothing, not even a change of clothes, just his phone. Our pride is a prisoner of these idiots," said the tennis player's father.

Meanwhile, in Melbourne, hundreds of fans gathered in front of the hotel where Djokovic is staying to protest the treatment given to the current three-time Australian Open champion. The tennis player, in turn, appeared at the window blowing kisses and making a heart gesture with his hands.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated that Djokovic was the target of "political persecution." Meanwhile, the country's Prime Minister, Ana Brnabic, reportedly advised the tennis player to leave the hotel and move to a rented house where he could prepare for the competition.

Djokovic, who has never hidden his anti-vaccine stance, had his visa canceled for failing to provide valid medical justification for not proving vaccination against Covid-19. Until the case is resolved, the tennis player must stay in a hotel used by Australia as a detention center for immigrants.

The Serbian filed an appeal against Australia's decision to deport him for failing to justify the absence of vaccination against the new coronavirus to enter the nation. A judge, however, ruled that the star cannot be deported before next Monday (10), when there will be a hearing on the matter.

Djokovic arrived in Melbourne last Monday (5), in search of his 10th Australian Open title and his 21st Grand Slam trophy, which would make him the greatest winner in history, ahead of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Thank

Tennis player Novak Djokovic, stranded in a hotel in Melbourne, Australia, thanked people "around the world" who are supporting him on Friday (7).

"Thank you so much to everyone around the world who sent me their support," the athlete wrote on his social media.