Djokovic Visa Controversy: Tennis Star Releases Statement, Says Agent Marked Wrong Box

Djokovic’s statement comes at a time when the Australian government is considering whether to deport the player. In the same Instagram post, Djokovic also said that he met a French journalist last month when he had Covid and termed it an “error of judgment”.

Novak Djokovic’s statement

I would like to address the continuing misinformation about my activities and attendance at events in December in the lead up to my positive PCR COVID test.

This is misinformation that needs to be corrected, particularly in the interest of alleviating community-wide concern about my presence in Australia, and to address matters that are very harmful and concerning to my family.

I would like to emphasize that I have made great efforts to ensure everyone’s safety and compliance with testing obligations.

I attended a basketball game in Belgrade on December 14, after it was reported that several people tested positive with COVID-19.

Despite having no COVID symptoms, I took a rapid antigen test on December 16, which was negative, and very carefully, also took an official and accepted PCR test on the same day.

The next day I attended a tennis event in Belgrade to present prizes to the children and took a rapid antigen test before going to the event, and it was negative.

I was asymptomatic and feeling well, and I was not notified of a positive PCR test result until after that incident.

The next day, 18 December, I was at my tennis center in Belgrade to fulfill a long-standing commitment to L’Equipe interviews and photoshoots. I have canceled all other events except l’Equipe Interview.

I felt obligated to go ahead and conduct the L’Equipe interview because I didn’t want to disappoint the journalist, but made sure I was socially distanced as and when I was being photographed, except that I wear a mask

When I went home to isolate for the required period of time after the interview, upon reflection, it was an error of judgment and I admit that I should have rescheduled this commitment.

On the issue of my travel declaration, it was submitted to me by my support team – as I told immigration officials upon my arrival – and my agent checked the wrong box about my previous travels before arriving in Australia. Sincerely apologize for the administrative mistake in doing so. ,

It was a human error and certainly not intentional. We are living in challenging times in a global pandemic and sometimes these mistakes can happen.

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 would not comment further out of the utmost respect for the Australian Government and their officials and the current process.

It is always an honor and an honor to play at the Australian Open. The Australian Open is very much loved by players, fans and the community, not only in Victoria and Australia, but around the world, and I just want the opportunity to compete against the world’s best players and perform before one of them. Best crowd in the world.