Novak Djokovic is not being held captive in Australia, a top official says, as the men's world number one tennis player faces deportation over Covid vaccination rules.
"He is free to leave at any time that he chooses to," Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said.
The Serb star remains in immigration detention in Melbourne after being denied entry on Wednesday.
A court challenge is due on Monday, a week before the Australian Open begins.
Now more uncertainty surrounds the schedule of the tournament that Djokovic has won nine times. A 10th win would see him become the men's most successful player, with 21 Grand Slams.