The decision to grant Novak Djokovic an exemption from being vaccinated against Covid-19 to play at the Australian Open in Melbourne was described as “unfair”. with some players expressing surprise at this privileged treatment.
On Tuesday (04/01), the holder of the Australian Open announced on twitter that he was coming to Melbourne to participate in the tennis tournament with an “exception”.
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
Australian Open director Craig Tiley has urged Novak Djokovic to reveal the reason for the “medical exemption” that will allow him to participate in the first Grand Slam of the year, although the Serbian ace has never said whether he has been vaccinated or not. of Covid-19.
“It would certainly be helpful if Novak explained the conditions under which he applied and received the exemption,” Tiley, who is also president of the Australian Tennis Federation, told the media.
“I encourage him to talk about it with the community. We have had a very difficult time in the last two years and I would appreciate some feedback,” he added.
However, Tiley denied that the number one male athlete in the world was privileged to receive such an exemption, during a process overseen by the Australian and Victorian authorities.
“A total of 26 players or staff members, out of the approximately 3,000 expected in Australia, have applied for exemption and only a few have received it,” he explained.
Already a winner of 20 Grand Slam tournaments, as well as Roger Federer with Rafael Nadal, Djokovic is aiming for Melbourne for the title that would give him the record.
The Australian Open, which starts on January 17, is his favorite tournament: in Melbourne, the Serb won his first Grand Slam (2008) and no one has as many titles there as he (nine).
The “green light” has provoked many negative reactions, especially from some players who complained of favorable treatment to “Nole”, who has never clarified his vaccination status.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced today (5/1) that evidence will be sought from Novak Djokovic that the “medical exemption” he received to participate in the “Australian Open” is justified, otherwise the Serb will be sent “home with the first plane “.
“We are waiting for him to provide us with evidence to justify this excellent medicine,” Morrison told a news conference. “If this information is insufficient, then he will not be treated differently from anyone else and will return home on the first plane. “There will be no special rules for Djokovic,” he insisted.
IRISTIMES
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