Serbia’s state prosecutors on Wednesday rejected suggestions that Novak Djokovic used a fake positive test for COVID-19 to try to enter Australia and compete in the Australian Open.
The prosecution office said in a statement that it had received a request for criminal proceedings against unnamed individuals who allegedly forged two PCR certificates, which were later used by Djokovic to apply for a medical exemption from vaccination when entering Australia.
“The prosecution acted according to the regulations, checks were performed, and it was determined that Novak Djokovic was tested several times and that the certificates on the test results from Dec. 16, 2021, and Dec. 22, 2021, are valid,” the statement said.
Foreign media, including Der Spiegel and the BBC, have reported discrepancies in the serial numbers of the tests Serbian authorities administered to the top-ranked Djokovic ahead of his trip to Australia, suggesting possible irregularities in the way they were issued.
Djokovic’s media team and Serbian health authorities did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press. Senior Serbian health officials have previously said that Djokovic’s test was valid.
Djokovic was deported from Australia and barred from playing in the Australian Open in January after an 11-day visa saga on the eve of the tournament because he failed to meet Australia’s strict COVID-19 vaccination requirements.
To enter Australia, Djokovic submitted a positive COVID-19 test issued in Serbia on Dec. 16 for a visa exemption on the grounds that he had recently recovered from the virus.
The 34-year-old player is not vaccinated and the Australian government later decided to cancel his visa and deport Djokovic, saying his presence in Australia could stir anti-vaccination sentiments.
Djokovic’s rival Rafael Nadal won the Australian Open for a record 21st men’s Grand Slam title. Djokovic and Roger Federer both have 20 major titles.
Djokovic is adored in his native Serbia. Since he returned home, Djokovic was seen visiting churches and attending liturgies in both Serbia and neighboring Montenegro.
On Thursday, Djokovic visited Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic who has been vocal in denouncing the Australian authorities for deporting the tennis star.
Vucic praised Djokovic’s “great fight” over his bid to play at the Australia Open.
“Thank you for the great fight you fought in Australia,” Aleksandar Vucic told Djokovic during a meeting in Belgrade.
Vucic said he spoke with Djokovic as soon as he heard about the problems in Australia and told him to come home.
“And then I saw how ... he was ready to fight not only for himself, but for his country,” Vucic said.
Djokovic, who previously refused to speak about the events in Australia, told Vucic he was grateful for the support, adding he that he will address the public within seven to 10 days.
“You have stood behind me and placed yourself in a compromised political position in international relations, and I am ... extremely grateful. I will remember that,” Djokovic said.
Djokovic’s treatment has been described as “scandalous” by the government in Belgrade and has soured relations between Serbia and Australia.
