Djokovic a victim of politics, kept in captivity in Australia, say family

People standing in a window gesture towards pro-refugee protestors demonstrating outside the Park Hotel, where Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic is believed to be held while he stays in Australia, in Melbourne, Australia, January 6, 2022. REUTERS

Novak Djokovic's family said he was the victim of a "political agenda" in Australia as they rallied around the world number one who was denied entry into the country on Thursday for his Australian Open title defence.

The 34-year-old Djokovic was granted a medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccination requirements to compete in the year's first major, but after a public outcry he was detained by officials at the border on Thursday.