Novak Djokovic releases a statement addressing his attendance at events following COVID-19 tests

In a statement released on Wednesday, the men’s world no. 1 said he was unaware of a positive test result when he made public appearances on December 17, but was aware he tested positive before a media interview on December 18. He also said a mistake on his immigration form about previous travel before arriving in Australia was “human error” and “not deliberate.”

Djokovic was released from detention in Melbourne on Monday after an Australian court overturned the government’s decision to cancel his visa. He was met with controversy after being granted a medical exemption to COVID-19 vaccine requirements by Tennis Australia. Djokovic says he wants to stay and compete in the Australian Open, however, Australia’s immigration minister Alex Hawke, who still has discretionary power to revoke the visa, is “currently considering the matter.”