After testing positive for COVID-19 last month, Novak Djokovic admitted to breaking isolation regulations, calling it an “error of judgment.”
The Serbian admits seeing a journalist for an interview two days after testing positive on December 16 in an Instagram post on Wednesday.
He wrote, “I accept that I should have rescheduled.”
As the Australian government decides whether or not to deport him, his activities have been scrutinized.
He also blamed his agency for a mistake on the travel paperwork he used to enter Australia in the letter. Officials have launched a new probe into his remarks.
Djokovic is expecting to defend his Australian Open title next week despite being unvaccinated. His visa was revoked on January 6th. It happened just days after he arrived in the country. It was due to concerns about the vaccine exemption that would have allowed him to enter.
However, on Monday, a judge drastically overturned the ruling and ordered the player’s release from custody.
However, the government has not ruled out additional action. The country’s immigration minister could reject his visa for the second time only days before the tournament begins.
“I felt obliged to go ahead and conduct the L’Equipe interview as I didn’t want to let the journalist down,” Djokovic wrote in the Instagram post. “[I ensured] I socially distanced and wore a mask except when my photograph was being taken.”
Other claims that he appeared in public after his positive test on December 16 were “misinformation,” he claimed.
False declaration
In the meantime, Novak Djokovic admitted to making a false declaration on his travel form before entering Australia.
He claimed that his agent made an error when filling out a part of the form that detailed his recent travel history. According to the paperwork, he had not traveled in the 14 days leading up to his arrival in Australia.
However, according to recent sources, the 34-year-old had previously visited Serbia and then Spain.
“My agent sincerely apologizes for the administrative mistake in ticking the incorrect box,” he wrote. “This was a human error and certainly not deliberate.”
“My team has provided additional information to the Australian government to clarify this matter,” he added.
On Tuesday, Australia’s Border Force, the country’s immigration officers, said they were looking into whether he had submitted a “false declaration”. It may result in his visa cancellation.
The Australian Open begins on January 17th, and if Djokovic wins, he will become the all-time greatest male tennis player.
The men’s professional tennis tour urged players to get the vaccines. Also, to seek more clarification on the criteria for entering Australia.
The ATP stated, “The series of events leading to Monday’s court hearing has been damaging on all fronts, including for Novak’s well-being and preparation for the Australian Open.”
