Novak Djokovic finally announced his decision to end the wait and travel to Melbourne in order to defend his Australian Open title.

This morning, the nine-times champion uploaded a photo of himself at airport declaring that he was granted medical exemption for being vaccinated to prevent Covid.

He was recently spotted in Marbella practicing, despite having pulled out of the ATP Cup in Sydney.

‘I spent wonderful time with my friends over the break, and today I’m going down Under with an exemption permit. Let’s get 2022! He posted the following on Instagram.

Tennis Australia is not involved in the process of obtaining an exemption. It involves two independent medical panels from health authorities. An exemption requires that the applicant has an acute major medical condition.  

The applications are not known to the government health officials. 

Novak Djokovic will play in this year's Australian Open after getting a medical exemption (Pictured: The tennis star heading to Melbourne to compete in the tournament)

Novak Djokovic has been granted a medical exemption to play at the Australian Open.

The Serbian world No 1 has packed his bags and will take part in the January 17 tournament

Serbian No. 1 in world rankings has left his luggage and will participate in the tournament on January 17.

WHY IS DJOKOVIC EXEMPT 

According to Australia’s Department of Health, medical exemptions may be given if an individual is suffering from an “acute major medical condition”.

The guidelines allow for the following conditions: 

– An inflamatory heart disease that has occurred within the past three months 

For serious conditions, major surgery may be required. 

Covid-19 diagnoses mean that vaccines cannot be administered for the next six months.

– History of any severe side effects from the Covid-19 vaccination (Note that Djokovic did not confirm whether he had been jabbed).

– If vaccine exposure poses a threat to the individual or other people who are vaccinated 

– Underlying developmental or mental health disorders 

Australia’s Deputy Premier James Merlino said last month that medical exemptions are ‘not a loophole’. 

He stated that medical exemptions were just that. It’s not an exemption for tennis pros with privileged status. 

“They’re medical exemptions under exceptional circumstances.

Djokovic is well known for his free-of-choice views regarding the vaccination and has expressed his skeptical beliefs before.

While there are a few other potential players that have applied successfully for permits to enter Australia, he remains the focal point of this contentious topic.

His reception is uncertain, among both the public as well as his fellow players. Melbourne is the city with the highest concentration of Omicron cases.

After a slow start, 85-90% of all tennis players have been vaccinated. Some may not be thrilled to share a locker with someone who declined the vaccine.

The Australian Open Tournament begins January 17, and the ATP revealed that 95 of the 100 top men’s tennis players were vaccinated.  

Tennis Australia announced its Covid-19 vaccination protocol for the tournament in December. It also included procedures for 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 given up 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 was tested for coronavirus shortly before Christmas. However, Nadal made it down under to participate in the Australian Open. 

Djokovic is looking to defend his Australian Open title and win a record 21st Grand Slam trophy

Djokovic will defend his Australian Open title, and he hopes to win the record 21st Grand Slam Trophy

Djokovic has not declared his coronavirus status but has been sceptical about the vaccine

Djokovic is sceptical regarding the vaccine, but hasn’t declared his status as coronavirus positive.

Rafael Nadal has travelled to Australia despite testing positive for coronavirus last month

Rafael Nadal has traveled to Australia after testing positive for coronavirus.

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 getting permission this year to participate in Grand Slam tournaments. France declared last month that players not vaccinated from foreign countries could no longer compete in professional sports, which raises doubts as to Djokovic’s ability to compete at Roland Garros. 

It’s not known if President Emmanuel Macron will have lifted the restrictions imposed last month. But the rules will impact Chelsea’s Champions League visit to Lille and England’s Six Nations match against France in February, respectively. 

Djokovic will play in Melbourne but may have similar issues to qualify for other Grand Slams

Djokovic will be playing in Melbourne, but could have similar problems to qualify for Grand Slams

If Djokovic’s vaccination status has not been cleared by summer, he may have difficulty playing at Wimbledon. Currently, anyone who is not vaccinated must be quarantined for 10 days. PCR testing can take place on days 2, and 8. 

According to current guidelines, the Serbians will need to have a negative test for coronavirus before traveling to England. 

Australia’s residents were furious at Djokovic’s medical exemption, and some even considered boycotting the tournament. 

A fan wrote: “Not happy about it. Considering boycotting our attendance.’

Furious Australians say they could boycott this year's tournament due to Djokovic's exemption

Australians are furious and say they might boycott this year’s tournament because of Djokovic’s exclusion

Another posted: ‘As a local I’ve had to get vaccinated to continue my job, go to cafés, return to normal. Every ticket-holder and worker will have to be vaccinated. Why is @Djokernole not exempted?

A fan stated that Djokovic would play in the AO. He will be boycotting the entire tournament. This means that I will not watch one minute of TV coverage. However, that’s the only protest I have so I will.

Another supporter said, “This must be a joke.” I didn’t go through lockdown to put up with this.’