Australian Open was canceled by sports fanatics who threatened to boycott it. to grant Novak Djokovic a medical exemption from Covid-19 vaccination requirements to compete in the tournament.
Nine-times winner posted an image of himself at the airport Tuesday morning, declaring that medical exemption had been granted and that he would be traveling to Melbourne.
His tweet read: “Happy New Years!” Wishing you all health, love & joy in every moment & may you feel love & respect towards all beings on this wonderful planet.
‘I’ve spent fantastic quality time with loved ones over break & today I’m heading Down Under with an exemption permission. Let’s get 2022.
Australian Open organizers state that medical exemptions were granted after a strict review, which was conducted by Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation Guidelines (ATAGI).
However, some fans of sports took to social media to express their dismay at the decision.
Novak Djokovic confirmed his participation in this year’s Australian Open via social media. He received a medical exclusion.
Serbian No. 1 in world rankings has left his luggage and will participate in the tournament on January 17.
One user said, “For first time in many decades, I will not watch the tennis. Novak Djokovic is not eligible for an exemption.
I hate that there is only one rule to follow for everyone, but another for those who are the most fortunate.
Another commented, “So while vaccinated Australians were not allowed to cross state boundaries to visit their loved ones dying,” Novak Djokovic can come from abroad to play tennis. Unbelievable.’
Another person added: ‘After everything that Victorians have been through, Novak Djokovic getting a vaccine exemption is nothing short of a kick in the guts. It was all so much suffering and lockdowns. Seriously?’
A different person mentioned that the Australian Open is one of his favorite sporting events.
‘The decision to permit Novak Djokovic participation when he’s not vaccinated means that I will be boycotting your telecast in this year’s. This is absolutely shocking.
Tennis Australia is not involved in the process of obtaining an exemption. It involves two different medical panels that are provided by government health authorities.
To qualify for exemption, the person must have an “acute major medical condition”.
The applications are not known to the government health officials.
Matt Canavan from Queensland said Djokovic playing in the inaugural grand slam was a risk because of his previous contract with Covid-19.
On Wednesday’s Today, Mr Canavan stated that natural immunity is stronger than vaccination.
So Novak Djokovic is safe to let in.
Senator said that on a “practical basis” the player wasn’t likely to cause havoc in Victoria’s health care system. After Victoria recorded 14,000 patients and 516 hospitalized, it was clear the state had not been able record the number of cases.
“Yes. Some of us would like to see the rules applied literally and continuously. But some rules may be temporary, Mr Canavan claimed.
“We need to move forward with our lives and get back to a more sensible world. I believe that we are very near to this with Omicron, which is supposedly less dangerous.
Australian Open organizers stated that the medical exemption for the tennis player was granted after an extensive review.
Sport fans furious say they may boycott this year’s tournament because of Djokovic’s exclusion
Many Australians are outraged by the move. They were told that they can’t re-enter Australia unless they have all their vaccinations up to date or they will be placed in quarantine for two weeks. Some people vent their anger online.
Jamie Murray, a British doubles player who just won the ATP Cup, appeared also to be critical of the decision.
He replied to a question about his feelings, saying that if he wasn’t vaccinated, he wouldn’t get an exemption.
He concluded, “But well done to he for getting clear to go to Australia to compete.”
Djokovic was hosting a party during the pandemic, and contracted Covid-19. He has not explicitly stated if he’s jabbed.
He is however well-known for his free choice opinions on vaccines and has expressed doubt in the past.
Current exemptions for vaccinations in Australia are given to those who have received anaphylaxis due to a previously administered vaccine or an inactive ingredient.
In certain circumstances, people who have immunocompromised may also be eligible for an exemption.
Because the Serbian tennis legend has been allowed an exemption, he won’t have to go through two weeks quarantine at a hotel like other unvaccinated guests.
Djokovic must instead follow the same steps as fully-vaccinated travellers: a PCR testing on arrival, and isolating till the result.
It is happening despite statements from Craig Tilley (Australian Open Director) and Victoria Premier (Victorian Premier), who promised that attendees not vaccinated would not be welcomed.
TA CEO Craig Tiley stated that the Premier made it clear last year when he announced that anyone wishing to enter Victoria for the Australian Open must have been fully vaccinated.
It is only by following one path that everyone can be safe, It is understood by everyone in the group. The Australian Open staff and patrons must all be up to date.
“When there are more than 90% of the population fully immunized, it is the right thing to take.”
Dan Andrews, the Victorian Premier said that last year he would not allow unvaccinated tennis pros to enter Australia.
‘I’m not going to lie to anyone that they can’t go to the bar tonight unless they’re double vaxxed. But there are certain celebrities who don’t want to get vaccinated. He stated that he would not facilitate them arriving here.
Djokovic wants to defend the Australian Open title and claim a record 21st Grand Slam title
Djokovic, while he has not yet declared his status as coronavirus positive, is skeptical about the vaccine.
Rafael Nadal has traveled to Australia, despite being positive for coronavirus in his last month of testing
Djokovic will be playing in Melbourne, but could have similar problems to qualify for Grand Slams
A small group of players have already applied for permissions and are now in Australia.
After a slow start to vaccinations, about 85-90 percent of players who play tennis are now up-to-date.
The Australian Open begins January 17.
Tennis Australia announced its Covid-19 vaccination protocol for the tournament in December. It also included information for athletes who are seeking medical exemptions.
If an exemption has been granted, the Australian Immunisation Register will submit the medical exemption. It will not reveal the identity of any player who applied for it. Djokovic, however, has decided to waive his anonymity.
Djokovic’s Grand Slam rival Rafael Nadal will join him in Melbourne for the tournament. Nadal arrived in Australia just a few days ago and has 20 major tournament victories.
Nadal had a coronavirus test just before Christmas. His participation in the Australian Open was questioned. But, Nadal travelled down Under to prepare for the tournament, and was seen there on Tuesday.
Roger Federer has also 20 Grand Slams and will not be able to compete in the Australian Open this year due to an injury.
Djokovic could have the same problems in this season’s Grand Slam tournaments.
France made it clear that unvaccinated athletes from non-European countries would not be allowed to participate in professional sport. This raises doubts as to whether the player can even compete at Roland Garros.
The question of whether the President Emmanuel Macron’s last-month restrictions will remain in force when the tournament opens in May 2022 remains unanswered. But the rules have an impact on Chelsea’s Champions League visit to Lille, and England’s Six Nations match in France which takes place in February and March.
Djokovic could also experience difficulties at Wimbledon if he isn’t vaccinated by summer. Currently, anyone who has not been vaccinated must be quarantined for 10 days. PCR testing can take place on days 2, and 8.
Under current guidelines, the Serbian must also undergo a negative coronavirus testing before they travel to England.