Novak Djokovic’s PCR test results were ‘valid’, according to Serbian prosecutor’s office | Other Sports | sports

The results of the PCR tests presented by the world tennis number 1 Novak Djokovic to obtain a derogation that would allow him to participate in the Australian Open in January were “valid”, the Serbian prosecutor’s office assured this Wednesday after investigating the facts.

After having initially obtained a visa to enter Australia, thanks to a certificate proving that the Serbian tennis player had contracted the COVID-19 A month before the tournament, Djokovic, who has not been vaccinated against the coronavirus, was expelled by the Australian government before the start of the competition for posing a “health risk”.

According to the test presented by the 9-time champion in Australia to the Australian authorities, Djokovic tested positive for covid-19 on December 16. A second PCR, from December 22, was negative.

But the validity of these tests was called into question after some media, such as the BBCrevealed that the serial number of the test carried out on December 22 was lower than that of the 16, when being at a later date it should be higher.

“The analysis of the numerical database has concluded (…) that Novak Djokovic underwent several tests and that the certificates of these tests on December 16 and December 22 were valid”, assured the Prosecutor’s Office in a statement, specifying that the investigation was carried out by the Ministry of Health.

Despite being positive on December 16, Djokovic participated the next day in an event with young tennis players in Belgrade and even gave an interview to the French newspaper L’Equipe the 18th

Djokovic assured that he received notification of his positive after that act on the 17th and that his interview was “an error of judgment”.

The Australian Open was finally won by the Spanish Rafael Nadal, achieving his 21st Grand Slam, a historic milestone to which Djokovic also aspired, who has 20, the same as the Swiss Roger Federer.

Since he had to return to his country on January 17, Djokovic has barely appeared in public and has made no statements. On Thursday he is scheduled to meet Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and briefly address the press. (D)