Novak Djokovic has addressed the concerns surrounding the whole COVID controversy via an Instagram post on his official account earlier today.
After voicing his complaints about the concerns of the public as well as the spread of misinformation, Djokovic stated:
“I want to emphasise that I have tried very hard to ensure the safety of everyone and my compliance with testing obligations.
“I attended a basketball game in Belgrade on 14 December after which it was reported that a number of people tested positive with COVID 19.
“Despite having no COVID symptoms, I took a rapid antigen test on 16 December which was negative, and out of abundance of caution, also took an official and approved PCR test on that same day.”
Read more about Djokovic and the COVID fiasco here:
The ATP world number one continued to narrate the events leading up to his positive test: “The next day I attended a tennis event in Belgrade to present awards to children and took a rapid antigen test before going to the event, and it was negative.
“I was asymptomatic and felt good, and I had not received the notification of a positive PCR test result until after that event.
“The next day, on 18 December I was at my tennis centre in Belgrade to fulfil a long-standing commitment for a L’Equipe interview and photoshoot. I cancelled all other events except for the L’Equipe interview.”
Following that the Serbian national admitted his wrongdoings in one fell swoop: “I felt obliged to go ahead and conduct the L’Equipe interview as I didn’t want to let the journalist down, but did ensure I socially distanced and wore a mask except when my photograph was being taken.
“While I went home after the interview to isolate for the required period, on reflection, this was an error of judgement and I accept that I should have rescheduled this commitment.”
He then went on about the issues concerning his travel declaration: “This was submitted by my support team on my behalf – as I told immigration officials on my arrival – and my agent sincerely apologises for the administrative mistake in ticking the incorrect box about my previous travel before coming to Australia.
“This was human error and certainly not deliberate.
“We are living in challenging times in a global pandemic and sometimes these mistakes can occur.
“Today, my team has provided additional information to the Australian Government to clarify this matter.”
Djokovic then explained that he will refuse to make any further comments on the matter “out of utmost respect for the Australian Government and their authorities and the current process.”
He will continue to prepare for the Australian Open as he has been seen doing via helicopter cameras in Melbourne.
I’m pleased and grateful that the Judge overturned my visa cancellation. Despite all that has happened,I want to stay and try to compete @AustralianOpen
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 10, 2022
I remain focused on that. I flew here to play at one of the most important events we have in front of the amazing fans. 👇 pic.twitter.com/iJVbMfQ037
The qualifiers for the Open are still taking place so Djokovic’s next match is yet to be decided, but it doesn’t seem the Serbian will be put in jail before he gets to play in the tournament.
