Nine’s political reporter Chris O’Keefe says he has been told “on good authority” that Tennis Australia approached the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation for advice on natural immunity.
The revelation comes after world No.1 Novak Djokovic was controversially granted a medical exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination mandate to play at the Australian Open.
The reason for the exemption has not emerged but there have been reports that Djokovic may have played the natural immunity card.
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“ATAGI told Tennis Australia that past infection with COVID is not a valid reason against vaccination,” O’Keefe said on Nine Radio.
Australia has been raging after the Djokovic exemption and retired tennis star Sam Groth – in isolation after contracting COVID-19 – took aim in a column for News Corp.
The Serbian superstar is now in the box seat to win a record 21st grand slam in Melbourne – and a 10th AO – but faces the prospect of being booed mercilessly every time he takes the court.
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“I still think Djokovic is one of the greatest ever but with greatness comes expectation and he fails every time,” Groth wrote.
“He was here last year lifting the trophy and paying tribute to what Victorians in particular had endured. He played in empty stadiums during the snap lockdown.
“His announcement on Tuesday was tone deaf. He should know better.”
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