I want to address the continuing misinformation
about my activities and attendance at events in
December in the lead up to my positive PCR
COVID test result.
This is misinformation which needs to be
corrected, particularly in the interest of
alleviating broader concern in the community
about my presence in Australia, and to address
matters which are very hurtful and concerning
to my family.
I want to emphasise 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 18 December I was at my
tennis centre in Belgrade to fulfil a
long-standing commitment for a L'Equipe interview
and photoshoot. I cancelled 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 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 judgement 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 apologises 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 honour 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."
