Novak Djokovic has admitted for the first time he attended a photoshoot with L’equipe despite being informed that he has tested positive for Covid-19.
In a statement issued on Wednesday aimed at what he described as addressing ‘misinformation,’ the world No.1 said he attended the engagement because he ‘didn’t want to let the journalist down.’ Djokovic said he wore a mask at all times, except for when he was actually photographed, and followed social distancing rules.
The date of the event occurred on December 18th, two days after he took a PCR test following an outbreak of the virus at a Euroleague basketball match which he had attended earlier that week. Between those two events, Djokovic also went to an award ceremony for young tennis players in Belgrade. However, he said he didn’t know he had tested positive for the virus whilst attending the ceremony.
“Despite having no COVID symptoms, I took a rapid antigen test on 16 December which was negative, and out of an abundance of caution, also took an official and approved PCR test on that same day,” the 20-time Grand Slam champion said in a statement.
“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.’
“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. 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 was socially distanced and wore a mask except when my photograph was being taken.”
In Serbia those who test positive for the virus are required to self-isolate for 14 days. Whilst Djokovic insists that his decision to undertake his engagement was with good intention, he could now be fined for breaking the rules. He admits that his actions were an ‘error of judgement.’
During a recent interview with BBC News, prime minister Ana Brnabić said she would have to refer the matter to ‘“relevant authorities, and the medical people who are in charge of implementing these regulations” if Djokovic is found to have broken the rules.
Visa declaration an ‘administrative mistake’
Djokovic’s statement has also addressed questions over the accuracy of his Australian travel declaration. After winning his legal case against the government to overturn the decision to cancel his visa, various files were published online following the decision. In the declaration, he selected ‘no’ when asked if he had travelled over the past 14 days prior to his flight to Australia. This was incorrect as he went from Belgrade to a tennis academy in Spain during that period.
Djokovic said the incorrect information provided was an ‘administrative mistake’ by his agent who filled out the form. Providing inaccurate information on an Australian travel declaration document is classed as a ‘serious offence.’
“On the issue of my 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 a human error and certainly not deliberate,” he said.
“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.’
“While I felt it was important to address and clarify misinformation I will not be making any further comment out of utmost respect for the Australian Government and their authorities and the current process.”
Djokovic is currently training in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open which will begin on Monday. It is still possible that the Australian government could revoke his visa for a second time should they choose to use their executive powers. Immigration minister Alex Hawke is believed to be looking into what decision to make but has yet to issue a public statement.
