Controversial world No.1 men’s tennis player Novak Djokovic has been granted a medical exemption to play at the Australian Open this month.
The Serbian superstar has continually refused to divulge his COVID-19 vaccination status and tonight’s development has triggered furious debate among tennis fans – and Australian society in general.
“Happy New Year, everybody! Wishing you all health, love, and happiness in every present moment and may you feel love & respect towards all beings on this wonderful planet,” Djokovic wrote on Instagram along with a photo of him at an airport and bags of luggage.
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“I’ve spent fantastic quality time with my loved ones over the break and today I’m heading Down Under with an exemption permission. Let’s go 2022!!”
Tennis Australia later released a statement confirming that Djokovic had been granted an exemption and that he would play at the the AO.
AO tournament director Craig Tiley said players must be fully vaccinated, unless there was a “genuine reason” why an exemption should be granted.
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Organisers have not revealed any details of Djokovic’s application “to ensure privacy,” so it is not known on what grounds he applied or qualified for the medical exemption.
“Fair and independent protocols were established for assessing medical exemption applications that will enable us to ensure Australian Open 2022 is safe and enjoyable for everyone,” Tiley said.
“Central to this process was that the decisions were made by independent medical experts and that every applicant was given due consideration.”
TA said the review process was “rigorous” and involved two separate panels.
“One of those was the Independent Medical Exemption Review Panel appointed by the Victorian Department of Health,” the statement said.
“They assessed all applications to see if they met the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation guidelines.”
Djokovic has won a record nine Australian Opens and is chasing a record breaking 21st men’s grand slam singles title in Melbourne.
He is currently level with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20.
The Victorian Government said its “independent and rigorous process” had been set up specifically “to assess requests for medical exemptions at the Australian Open.”
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Victoria’s Deputy Premier James Merlino claimed in December that there would be no special favours for superstars.
“They’re the rules,” Merlino said.
“Medical exemptions are just that – it’s not a loophole for privileged tennis players.”
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