Serbian Prime Minister threatens to ‘deal with’ Novak Djokovic but criticises Australia’s handling of situation

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said she will “deal with” Novak Djokovic breaking Covid-19 regulations but was “not even sure it was fair” for the Australian Government to publicise Djokovic’s medical documentation.

After months of confusion and doubt, Djokovic revealed he was granted a medical exemption to compete for a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title at the upcoming Australian Open.

However upon his arrival at the border, his medical exemption was voided and his visa was cancelled. Djokovic took the decision to court, but in doing so the Australian Government made some of his medical documentation public.

As a result, a number of questions were raised when discrepancies were found. On his declaration form Djokovic claimed he had not travelled in the two weeks prior to his arrival, however he had travelled from Serbia to Spain, then Spain to Australia.

There were also discrepancies regarding the dates Djokovic claimed he contracted Covid-19. Djokovic said he tested positive on December 16th but was then pictured at a number of promotional events in the following days, leading many to question the legitimacy of his exemption.

World number one Djokovic released a statement through social media confirming his forms were filled in by an agent and he for “human error.”

Djokovic denied deliberately mixing with children whilst positive, but did admit to doing an interview with L’Equipe knowing he was ill. The 20-time Slam champion regrets this decision and said it was an “error in his judgement.”

Serbian Prime Minister Brnabic said “in this case, [if] it seems as if he was aware of it – then it is a clear violation of the rules and what the sanctions are, it’s what the relevant institutions will have to look into.