In the latest development to the row over tennis world number one Novak Djokovic‘s vaccination status, Australian authorities have responded to claims that the Serbian is being held captive.

Speaking to media outlets on Friday, Australian Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said, “Mr Djokovic is free to leave anytime he chooses to do so and [the Australian] Border Force will actually facilitate that.”

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Djokovic had initially been given an exemption from vaccination requirements, and was even granted a visa to allow him to compete in the upcoming Australian Open, but the decision was quickly reversed after Australian Border Force (ABF) said that Djokovic had “failed to provide appropriate evidence” for entry into Australia at the Melbourne airport.

Subsequently, the 34-year-old tennis star was detained at detention hotel for immigrants in Melbourne, and is slated to be deported. However, Djokovic has challenged his deportation in court and is still in detention.

The cancellation of Djokovic’s visa and his subsequent detention escalated into a full-blown political issue on Thursday, following accusatory statements from Djokovic’s parents and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. While Djokovic’s parents accused Australian authorities of having the political agenda of humiliating Serbia, President Vucic claimed that Djokovic was a victim of “harassment.”

However, Andrews has denied these allegations and clarified the reason behind Djokovic’s detention on Friday.

“So, firstly, you need a visa to enter Australia. And you have to meet the entry requirements to come into Australia,” said Andrews. “Now, currently that includes making sure that you have a negative PCR test before you’re uplifted, so, it’s three days before you are uplifted you need to complete an Australia travel declaration. And you need to, and this is the important part in particular, you need to make sure that you have proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID,” she added.

Also read | Novak Djokovic’s parents say Australia visa row is politically motivated

Upon being asked why Djokovic had been denied entry despite having a visa, Andrews said, “Yes, there was a visa issued, that is actually not the issue. It is the second part of that process, which is the specific entry requirements to be able to cross Australia’s border and to enter Australia lawfully. Now, it is the individual traveller’s responsibility to make sure that they have in place all the necessary documentation that is needed to enter Australia.”

As it stands, Djokovic’s court challenge is slated to be heard on Monday, and there is unlikely to be any resolution to the issue prior to the court hearing.