Serbian prosecutors reject claims Novak Djokovic used fake positive Covid tests

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.

Outlets including Der Spiegel and the BBC, have reported discrepancies in the serial numbers of the tests Serbian authorities administered to Djokovic ahead of his trip to Australia, suggesting possible irregularities in the way they were issued.

Djokovic was deported from Australia and barred from playing in the Australian Open last month after an 11-day visa saga. To enter Australia, Djokovic submitted a positive Covid-19 test issued in Serbia on 16 December for a visa exemption on the grounds that he had recently recovered from the virus. The 34-year-old is not vaccinated, and the Australian government later decided to cancel his visa and deport Djokovic, saying his presence in the country could stir anti-vaccination sentiments.

Djokovic is a national hero in Serbia. Since he returned home, Djokovic was seen visiting churches and attending liturgies in Serbia and neighboring Montenegro.