Djokovic's exemption was based on his and Tennis Australia's belief that having contracted Covid-19 in the past six months was a valid reason to not be vaccinated. Court documents released after the hearing reveal the 20-time grand slam champion was swabbed at 1.05pm on December 16 and received a positive result at 8.19pm.
That revelation has sparked burning questions about Djokovic's behaviour after he knew he was infected with the virus.
On December 16, Djokovic received a commemorative stamp in his honour at an event hosted by the Serbian National Postal Service. The tennis star later shared photos of the event on social media.
Djokovic also reportedly attended an awards ceremony at the Novak Tennis Centre in Belgrade on December 17. Multiple photos on social media show the 34-year-old posing for photos with children without wearing a mask.
French newspaper L'Équipe revealed Djokovic posed without a mask during a photo shoot on December 18.
Court documents reveal Djokovic knew he was Covid-positive on December 16, leading people to ask why he would attend social functions — especially with children and without a mask — knowing he was at risk of spreading the virus.
His family members — father Srdjan, mother Dijana and brother Djordje — were asked about that matter at a press conference in Belgrade overnight. A reporter said: "Was he at an event on the 17th of December in Belgrade?"
Djordje gave a wry smile and shut the press conference down. "So, ah, this press conference is adjourned at the moment," he said.
There were plenty of people critical of Djokovic once it became clear he knew he was positive on December 16.
Sports journalist Todd Balym tweeted: "Court documents show Novak Djokovic got his positive Covid test results shortly after 8pm on Dec 16 — so he knew he was Covid positive visiting kids & others the next 2 days. Court might've cleared him today, but public opinion will judge him as a selfish maskhole."
Boxing presenter Ben Damon wrote: "That's horrific."
Sports journalist Michael Hincks said: "How do Novak Djokovic fans explain/defend his Dec 17 and 18 actions at a ceremony with children and interview with L'Equipe if he recorded a positive PCR test on Dec 16?"
BBC presenter Adil Ray added: "Djokovic got Covid then apparently carried on as normal, hugging children. Unless his team can explain that, he should not be allowed to play tennis in a country where borders have been closed and families kept apart. He is not an exception."
New Zealand cricket star Jimmy Neesham tweeted: "If this is true … absolutely disgraceful."
