Djokovic in for tough Australian Open
January 5, 2022
The decision to grant Novak Djokovic a medical exemption to play at this year’s Australian Open in Melbourne has received widespread criticism across the nation.
The nine time Australian Open champion has declined to reveal his vaccination status on a number of occasions which raised questions over whether he would play in the tournament.
In an instagram post, the men’s world number one player revealed he would be attending this year’s Australian Open after receiving the medical exemption.
It was confirmed by the Australian Open and Victorian government on Tuesday night. The statement explained Djokovic’s request was reviewed to declare if he had a viable reason to receive an exemption which was granted.
With months of lockdowns, restrictions and calls for vaccinations, the Australian public was clearly frustrated with the announcement, taking to social media to project their fury.
Guys, it’s important to note we don’t *know* Djokovic got an exemption because he’s a famous tennis player. It might have just been because he’s rich.
— Adam Liaw (@adamliaw) January 4, 2022
Novak Djokovic is the greatest tennis player ever. Forget Laver, Agassi ,Federer,Sampras,Nadal,McEnroe,Connors and Borg for Novak has won 20 Grand Slams and 87 titles and a billion dollars without us knowing he had a debilitating medical problem.We have been taken for fools. Kb
— Kevin Bartlett (@KevinBartlett29) January 4, 2022
Great to see Novak Djokovic will play in the Australian Open following an exemption permission. It’s tennis players who will get us through this pandemic.
— Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) January 4, 2022
https://twitter.com/drkate_miller/status/1478318623080861696?s=21
It sets a difficult precedent, especially considering many Australians are struggling to get tested for COVID-19 with long queues and a scarcity of rapid antigen tests.
The Australian Open starts on January 17 and Djokovic has opened as the betting favourite which would see the Serbian break the record for most grand slams won by a male tennis player.
Daniil Medvedev, the world number two and who beat Djokovic in the US Open last year, is right behind paying $3.50 to win his second career grand slam.
Rafael Nadal who is tied with Djokovic on 20 slams, is also in the field and will be hoping to break his drought in the tournament with his first and only win coming in 2019.
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