There is speculation for weeks and months whether Novak Djokovic (34) will do without the Australian Open in January or not. Then the name of the Serb suddenly appears on the list of participants at the ATP Cup in Sydney.
The presumed start of this nations tournament, which takes place before the major event in Melbourne, is fueling new theories. For example, that Djokovic has long since received the spades despite his still secret vaccination status.
Or according to «news.com.au» that the world number 1 may have found a loophole by participating in Sydney, only to be in Melbourne afterwards without a vaccination.
Politician puts a stop to this
But that possible vaccination trick of just being in the country early enough and then getting a medical exemption isn’t going to work. It doesn’t matter whether Djokovic planned it that way or not. Because James Merlino, Deputy Prime Minister in the state of Victoria, puts a stop to it.
“Medical exceptions really only exist in exceptional cases when someone has an acute illness,” says Merlino. “All Australian Open participants, players, spectators, officials and staff are expected to be fully vaccinated. These are the rules!” (red)
