It was not clear if Novak Djokovic would be able to defend his Australian Open title later this month due to the tennis tournament requiring all participants to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or receive a medical exemption.
The nine-time Australian Open winner, who has previously declined to reveal his vaccination status, announced via social media that he was heading to Australia after receiving an exemption.
“I’ve spent fantastic quality time with my loved ones over the break and today I’m heading Down Under with an exemption permission,” Djokovic posted on Instagram. “Let’s go 2022!!”
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Djokovic’s exemption is the only exemption to be publicized to date.
Fellow tennis player Jamie Murray questioned the integrity of the decision.
“I think if it was me that wasn’t vaccinated, I wouldn’t be getting an exemption, but well done to him for getting cleared to come to Australia and compete,” Murray said.
The Australian Open confirmed Djokovic’s medical exemption was granted after a “rigorous review process.”
Tennis Australia statement regarding Novak Djokovic’s medical exemption from vaccination to play in the Aus Open: pic.twitter.com/Ay1esZLimM
— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) January 4, 2022
“Djokovic applied for a medical exemption, which was granted following a rigorous review process involving two separate independent panels of medical experts,” the Australian Open said in a statement. “One of those was the Independent Medical Exemption Review Panel appointed by the Victorian Department of Health. They assessed all applications to see if they met the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ATAGI) guidelines.”
The statement added that exemption applications do not include applicants’ names.
Australian Open Director Craig Tiley said the exemptions are offered when there is a genuine reason for 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.
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Djokovic has won the last three Australian Open tournaments and is in a three-way tie with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for the most career major victories with 20. He is currently ranked No. 1 among active tennis players.
The Australian Open will be held in Melbourne from Jan. 17-30.
