'Error of judgment': Novak Djokovic's full statement on COVID-19 timeline
MELBOURNE: The full text of the statement posted by world number one tennis player Novak Djokovic on social media on Wednesday (Jan 12):
FULL STATEMENT BY NOVAK DJOKOVIC
I want to address the continued 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 broader concern in the community
about my presence in Australia, and to addressing matters which are very
hurtful and concerning to my family.
I want to emphasize that I have tried very hard to ensure
the safety of everyone and my compliance with testing obligations.
I attended a basketball game in Belgrade on 14 December
after which it was reported that a number of people tested positive with
COVID-19.
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 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.
The next day, on December 18 I was at my tennis center in
Belgrade to fulfill a long-standing commitment for a l'Equipe interview and
photoshoot. I canceled 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.
While I went home after the interview to isolate for the
required period, on reflection, this was an error of judgment and I accept that
I should have rescheduled this commitment.
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 apologizes 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. 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.
It is always an honor and a privilege to play in the
Australian Open. The Australian Open is much-loved by players, fans, and the
community, not just in Victoria and in Australia, but around the globe, and I
just want to have the opportunity to compete against the best players in the
world and perform before one of the best crowds in the world.
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