Djokovic admits travel document contained false information

Top-ranked men’s tennis player Novak Djokovic on Wednesday admitted that the travel document he gave to Australian border officials last week contained false information.

Djokovic divulged the information in a statement he posted to social media with the aim to “clarify misinformation.”

The tennis star said that after testing positive for COVID-19 in Serbia last month, he participated in a photo shoot and interview. 

He also acknowledged that his failure to isolate was an “error of judgement.” 

“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,” Djokovic wrote in the statement.

“This was human error and certainly not deliberate,” he added. “We are living in challenging times in a pandemic and sometimes these mistakes can occur.”

The failure to isolate marked a breach of Serbia’s protocol regarding coronavirus infections, The New York Times noted.

Djokovic has been at the center of controversy over the past few days as he attempts to remain in Australia for the Australian Open. Last week, he was detained by border officials and was released on Monday by a court order.

“I’m pleased and grateful that the Judge overturned my visa cancellation,” Djokovic tweeted at the time. “For now I cannot say more but THANK YOU all for standing with me through all this and encouraging me to stay strong.”