Wednesday, December 8th, 2021
Organizer confirms participation
Vaccination skeptic Djokovic to the Australian Open
For a long time there has been speculation about Djokovic’s participation in the Australian Open, because only fully vaccinated tennis professionals are allowed to participate. The Serb is considered a great vaccine skeptic. He is on the list of participants in the Grand Slam tournament. Is there a special permit for the star?
The organizers of the Australian Open have confirmed world number one Novak Djokovic as a participant in the Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne. The Serbian is next to the tennis world number one Ashley Barty “at the top of the outstanding player fields”, it said on the website of the organizer. The Australian Open starts on January 17th.
There is speculation in Australian media that Djokovic could apply for a special permit to start the first Grand Slam of the new year and defend his title. Only fully vaccinated players are allowed to take part in the tournament, but Djokovic leaves his vaccination status open with a reference to privacy.
Tennis Australia had previously confirmed that every athlete must meet the strict requirements of the health authorities. “This includes a certified vaccination certificate or a valid medical exemption that has been approved by the Australian health authorities,” said the umbrella organization, according to local media.
Deputy Prime Minister James Merlino said there were only a limited number of reasons for a waiver. “Everyone is looking forward to the Australian Open and everyone who will be attending – spectators, players, officials, staff – is expected to be fully vaccinated. Those are the rules. Medical exemptions are just that – it is not a loophole for the privileged Tennis player, “said Merlino, according to ABC. “It is a medical exception under exceptional circumstances when you have an acute illness.”
The organizers of the ATP Cup had previously announced on Tuesday that Djokovic was part of the Serbian team for the team competition from January 1st to 9th in Sydney. This also made the 34-year-old likely to take part in the Australian Open.
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