Ο Novak Djokovic he broke his silence. With the case of his trial for his deportation - or stay - in Australia being in the home stretch, the Serb took a stand for the first time on all the issues concerning him - and being accused - via his Instagram account.
As reported by Sport24.gr, the Serb claims he learned he was coronavirus positive after the event he attended for children on 17 December, but admits that he knowingly broke the quarantine when he was interviewed by L'Equipe on 18 December.
Finally, regarding the error in the application as to whether he has travelled in the last 15 days, he states that he did not fill out the application, but his companions did, and they apologized.
Djokovic's statement in detail:
«I want to address the constant misinformation about my activities and attendance at events in December before the positive result on a PCR test for COVID-19. This misinformation needs to be corrected, especially for the sake of the authorities and the Australian community and to speak out on an issue that is hurting my family. I want to make it clear that I have tried hard to ensure everyone is protected after my result.
I attended a basketball match in Belgrade on 14 December and was informed afterwards that a number of people tested positive for coronavirus. Although I was asymptomatic, I took a rapid test on 16 December, which was negative, and due to increased caution I also took an official and approved PCR test on the same day.
The next day I attended a tennis event where I gave prizes to children and even did a rapid test before the event and the result was negative. I was asymptomatic, felt fine and did not receive any notification of the positive PCR test until after the event.
The next day, on December 18, I was at a tennis court in Belgrade to fulfill a long-standing obligation for an interview and photo shoot for L'Equipe. I cancelled all other commitments except for this interview.
I felt compelled to go ahead with the interview because I didn't want to disappoint the journalist, but I made sure I kept a safe distance and wore a mask except for the moment of the photo shoot. When I went home after the interview, I isolated myself for a certain period of time and I understand that it was a mistake in my judgment and I accept that I had to reschedule that commitment.
On the subject of my travel declaration, it was filed by my travel companions on my behalf, as I told immigration officials on arrival - and my agent apologises for the mistake he made in ticking the incorrect box, regarding my previous travels before I went to Australia. It was a human error and certainly not intentional.
We are living in difficult times in the midst of a global pandemic and sometimes these mistakes happen. Today, my team has provided additional information to the Australian Government to clarify this matter. Although I felt it was important to raise the issue and clear up the misinformation, I will not make any further comment out of respect for the Australian Government, the authorities and the current process.
It's always been an honour to play in the Australian Open. It's an event that is loved by the players, the fans, the community not only in Victoria and Australia but all over the planet and I just want to have the opportunity to compete with the best in the world, in front of some of the best fans in the world.».
