Serbia's state prosecutors reject suggestions Djokovic used fake positive COVID-19 test ahead of Australian Open

Serbia's state prosecutors have rejected reports that Novak Djokovic used a fake positive test for COVID-19 to try to enter Australia and defend his Australian Open title.

In a statement on Wednesday, local time, the prosecution office said 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.

«The prosecution acted according to the regulations, checks were performed, and it was determined that Novak Djokovic was tested several times and that the certificates on the test results from December 16, 2021, and December 22, 2021, are valid,» the statement said.

Foreign media, including Der Spiegel and the BBC, had reported discrepancies in the serial numbers of the tests Serbian authorities administered to the top-ranked Djokovic ahead of his trip to Australia, suggesting possible irregularities in the way they were issued.

Senior Serbian health officials have previously said that Djokovic's test was valid.

Djokovic was deported from the country and barred from playing in the Australian Open last month after an 11-day visa saga on the eve of the tournament began because he failed to meet strict COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

To enter Australia, Djokovic submitted a positive COVID-19 test issued in Serbia on December 16 for a visa exemption on the grounds that he had recently recovered from the virus.

The 34-year-old player is not vaccinated and the Australian government later decided to cancel his visa and deport Djokovic, saying his presence in Australia could stir anti-vaccination sentiments.

Djokovic's rival, Rafael Nadal, won the Australian Open