So will he play or not? ‘Loophole’ that could have allowed anti-vaxxer tennis No.1 Novak Djokovic to play in the Australian Open is slammed shut – even as he is listed as confirmed to be competing
- Tennis Australia lists Novak Djokovic as Australian Open entrant on Wednesday
- His vaccination status is unclear and he is yet to confirm if he will play
- Tennis Australia said in November unvaccinated players couldn’t compete
- A special medical exemption though could allow him to dodge the entry rules
- Tennis Australia denied any suggestion it could help Djokovic get an exemption
- Novak Djokovic to play in ATP Cup – suggesting he will play at Australian Open
The Australian Open has included Novak Djokovic in the competition’s entry list, despite the government insisting he can’t play unless he is vaccinated.
The world No.1 expected to pursue a medical exemption to compete in the grand slam as a loophole around the requirement, but it is not clear if he will get it.
Tennis Australia released its official list of competitors on Wednesday with Djokovic named in the men’s singles draw, starting in Melbourne on January 17.
Djokovic, an outspoken Covid vaccine sceptic, has so far refused to reveal if he is immunised against Covid-19 despite Victoria’s strict policy.
Tennis Australia released its official list of competitors on Wednesday with Novak Djokovic (pictured) named as one of the players in the men’s singles draw for the season-opening major
The 20-time grand slam winner is yet to confirm if he will play the Australian Open.
Tennis Australia last month announced only vaccinated players would be allowed to play at Melbourne Park, throwing Djokovic’s title defence into doubt.
The sport’s governing body said players could get around the strict quarantine requirements by obtaining a ‘valid medical exemption’.
But Deputy Premier James Merlino downplayed that possibility, as there were only a few reasons why medical exemptions would be granted.
Djokovic is an outspoken anti-vaxxer, despite contracting the virus last year while hosting a party in the middle of the pandemic
‘My view on this is is really clear and really simple,’ he said on Wednesday.
‘Everyone’s looking forward to the Australian Open and everyone who will attend – spectators, players, officials, staff – everyone is expected to be fully vaccinated.
‘They’re the rules, medical exemptions are just that, it’s not a loophole for privileged tennis players.
‘It is a medical exemption in exceptional circumstances if you have an acute medical condition.
‘So my view and I think the view of all Victorians (and) the expectation of all Victorians is that everyone who attends the Open player, spectator, staff, officials, everyone is fully vaccinated.’
Djokovic apparently has grounds to apply for the exemption and is backed by Tennis Australia officials, News Corp reported.
Djokovic has so far refused to be drawn in on questions about his availability for the opening grand slam
‘[The rules] include certified proof of vaccination or a valid medical exemption approved by Australian medical officials,’ Tennis Australia said.
‘What has also been made clear by health officials is that international arrivals who don’t meet these requirements will need to quarantine for 14 days.’
Tennis Australia denied the suggestion it was seeking ‘loopholes’ to help Djokovic enter the country.
‘Any application for a medical exemption must follow strict government guidelines based on ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) clinical advice,’ Tennis Australia told Daily Mail Australia.
‘This is the same process that applies to any person wanting to enter Australia.
‘Adjudicating on medical exemptions is the domain of independent medical experts. We are not in a position to influence this process and nor would we.’
Novak Djokovic on Tuesday confirmed he will take part in the ATP Cup in Sydney – giving strong indications the world No.1 is vaccinated and will play at the Australian Open
If Djokovic is unvaccinated, he would need to arrive in Sydney in time for the ATP Cup by December 16 to complete his 14 day quarantine period.
But even after his quarantine stay he would still be banned from the Australian Open without getting vaccinated or obtaining an exemption.
The 34-year-old on Tuesday confirmed he would take part in the warm-up ATP Cup event in Sydney on January 1 to 9.
‘Top seed Serbia, headlined by World No.1 Novak Djokovic, will lead Group A, which will also features Norway, Chile and Spain,’ the ATP said in a statement on its website.
Djokovic has more Australian Open wins than any other player and will chase a 10th title in Melbourne, and record 21st grand slam victory.
He has so far refused to be drawn in on questions about his availability for the opening grand slam, saying in an interview last year he would have to consider his future in the sport if vaccinations were made mandatory.
‘My issue here with vaccines is if someone is forcing me to put something in my body. That I don’t want. For me that’s unacceptable,’ he told the New York Times.
Novak Djokovic pictured with his wife Jelena. Tennis Australia last month announced only double-jabbed players would be allowed to play at Melbourne Park in January
He had questions about the Covid vaccine in particular because the virus was constantly ‘mutating’.
The 34-year-old said just last month that he was yet to speak to Tennis Australia about his eligibility for the competition.
‘I haven’t been talking to them, to be honest. I was just waiting to hear what the news is going to be and now that I know we’ll just have to wait and see,’ he said.
‘I understand you want answers on where and how I am going to start the new season, but we’ll see what the future holds.
‘I can’t give you a date, but obviously the Australian Open is coming soon, so you will know very soon.’
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