Selcuk Bugra Gokalp
12 January 2022•Update: 12 January 2022
ANKARA
Tennis star Novak Djokovic on Wednesday pushed back against what he called what he called “misinformation” about his travels last December, before his run-in with Australian authorities over his vaccination status.
The Serbian tennis legend, 34, said he attended a basketball game in the capital Belgrade on Dec. 14 and later learned that there were several people who had tested positive for COVID-19 at the event.
He added that after he took a rapid antigen test on Dec. 16 which was negative, and also took an official approved PCR test just to be cautious.
Djokovic said he took another rapid antigen test next day which was also negative and then attended a tennis event in Belgrade.
He added that he was asymptomatic, and felt fine, but afterwards got a positive result from the PCR test.
The world’s no. 1 men’s player admitted a misjudgment in failing to cancel an interview and photoshoot with a French newspaper on Dec. 18 despite being tested positive.
Djokovic added that he maintained social distance through the interview and kept his mask on except for the photoshoot.
Travel Down Under
The 20-time Grand Slam winner also claimed that there was a “human error” in his travel declaration for Australia as his agent ticked the incorrect box.
He said that out of respect, he didn't want to comment on the Australian government and their procedures.
Djokovic added that it is always an honor to compete in the Australian Open, a title he which he bagged nine times in his career.
On Jan. 4, Djokovic said he had been granted a medical exemption from being vaccinated for COVID-19, but after his arrival, the Australian Border Force canceled his visa.
After he was sent to an immigration detention hotel in Melbourne, a federal court ordered his release.
Australia mandates all players to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to compete in this year's first major tennis tournament.
Djokovic has refused to say whether he is vaccinated for the coronavirus.
