Novak Djokovic makes frank Covid-19 admission: 'What I have done is selfish'
- Planet Sport writer
- 18 February 2022
World number one addresses controversy that arose during Australian Open deportation saga.
Novak Djokovic has admitted he was 'selfish' for going through with an interview when he knew he was infected with Covid-19.
Djokovic traveled to the Australian Open on a medical expemption based upon a previous Covid infection, which was later revealed to have been on December 16.
However, he still went through with a pre-planned interview and photoshoot with French publication L'Equipe in Belgrade just two days later.
"It was a mistake," Djokovic told the Serbian media of his poorly-timed interview with L'Equipe.
"I respect the journalist Franck (Ramella) who did the interview, he is in tennis longer than I am.
"We delayed that interview for some time and I found out that I was positive after he already landed in Belgrade.
"I had my mask on throughout the whole interview, kept physical distance. I did take my mask off for the photoshoot, but both Franck and the photographer were a few metres away from me.
"I admit that it was selfish what I've done, it was a mistake that I own. I understand that not all people will forgive me and I understand the critics."
Djokovic also addressed his future plans, revealing that fulfilling his Olympic dream is likely to motivate him to continue playing through 2024.
Despite his stellar career on the ATP Tour, Djokovic is yet to win an Olympic gold with him losing in the Tokyo semi-finals to eventual winner Alexander Zverev last year.
"An Olympic medal, especially gold, is always a big wish," he said.
"Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to fight for it in the past. I plan to be in Paris in 2024.
"I rewound my match with (Alexander) Zverev in Tokyo many times, trying to figure out what went wrong.
"I played superbly up to that point, but I did feel I was running on fumes, both mentally and physically."
