The allegations against Novak Djokovic do not stop. The tennis superstar has now made detailed statements for the first time – including the false information on his entry form to Australia.
For the first time since his entry problems to Australia, Novak Djokovic made a detailed statement in a long statement via Instagram. Among other things, he defended himself against the accusation that he had knowingly given false information when entering Australia. He also denied having attended an event with children in December, knowing his positive corona test, and having moved there without a mask.
Djokovic described the fact that his immigration officer falsely stated that he had not traveled in the 14 days before his flight to Australia as a “human error” by his immigration officer, “which was certainly not intentional”. “My agent sincerely apologizes for the administrative error of ticking the wrong box about my previous trips before I arrived in Australia,” the 34-year-old wrote.
Djokovic was refused entry into the country last week because he was not vaccinated against the coronavirus and the documentation of his medical exemption was insufficient for the authorities. Since then, there have been repeated contradictions in his statements and documents.
In his statement, he now spoke of “misinformation” that had to be corrected. They are “hurtful and worrying to my family”. He wants to point out that he has tried very hard for the safety of others and compliance with test specifications. It was important to him to clarify all of this, but he would not comment on the incidents out of respect for the Australian government.
Australian government is taking its time
At the event with children, at which he appeared without a mask on December 17th, according to previous information in the court documents, one day after “test and diagnosis”, he had not yet known about the positive result. On December 16, he had a negative antigen test and, out of sheer caution, also a PCR test. “I had no symptoms and felt fine and I received the news of the positive PCR test only after the event,” wrote Djokovic.
The Serb is still in training for the Australian Open, which starts on January 17th. The decision of the border guards in his case was overturned during a court hearing on Monday. However, the Australian Immigration Minister has reserved the right to make use of his personal rights and still invalidate Djokovic’s visa.
Djokovic’s lawyers have now provided more information and documents on the matter, said the tennis professional and a spokesman for Minister Alex Hawke. “Naturally, this has an impact on the time frame for a decision,” said Australian media from the ministry.
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