THE ORGANISERS of the Australian Open have insisted that Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic has not received a special favour” after the world no 1 was given a medical exemption from being vaccinated from Covid-19 to complete in Melbourne.
The 34-year-old posted on Instagram on Tuesday stating that he was on his way to Melbourne after it had been announced previously that all players must get the jab to play.
The social media post was met with a raft of criticism from tennis alumni and fans across the world. Djokovic has been vocal in his opposition for vaccine mandates, calling for freedom across the world.
Happy New Year! Wishing you all health, love & joy in every moment & may you feel love & respect towards all beings on this wonderful planet.
I’ve spent fantastic quality time with loved ones over break & today I’m heading Down Under with an exemption permission. Let’s go 2022! pic.twitter.com/e688iSO2d4— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 4, 2022
But Australian Open, tournament director Craig Tiley insisted that the tennis star isn't receiving a special favor to play in the tournament
Tiley issued the comments on Australia's The Today Show, saying that his medical exemption had a legitimate case,
"There's been no special favor. There's been no special opportunity granted to Novak.
"As an organization and as a sport, we've done what everyone else does and would do if they wanted to come to Australia and under certain conditions.
"And we have abided by those conditions and I know Australia's had the most comprehensive response to COVID of any nation in the world. And our governments have done everything they humanly possibly can to keep us safe.
"It's ultimately the decision of the medical experts and we follow that accordingly. In this case, Novak made that application.
"And like others, there's been 26 athletes and their primary support staff that have made applications and a handful of those have been granted by the panel.
"The conditions in which any tennis player comes in, no matter who they are, are conditions that have been put on tennis and put on anyone coming into Australia by the Australian government."
Djokovic's medical exemption was granted by two separate medical panels, appointed by Tennis Australia,
It's important to note that Djokovic's medical exemption was granted by two separate medical panels, appointed by Tennis Australia, and they assessed an anonymous application form.
It is separate from the application that ordinary travellers from overseas go through.— James Gray (@jamesgraysport) January 4, 2022
The Serbian could record a 21st singles grand slam triumph if he comes out on top in Melbourne. If he wins 21, he will overtake Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal who also sit with Djokovic on 20 major crowns, but the Swiss star is already ruled out of the tournament, which starts on January 17, through injury.
Nadal continues to recover from a positive COVID-19, but has posted pictures of his recovery, so a return isn't out of the question.
See More: Australian Open, Novak Djokovic, Tennis
