Leading figures have urged Novak Djokovic to clarify the reasons as to why he has been granted permission to play at the Australian Open amid an outburst of public anger.
On Tuesday the world No.1 posted a statement on Instagram confirming that he will be playing at the Melbourne Major after being given ‘exemption permission.’ There has been doubts over Djokovic’s participation in the Grand Slam which requires all participants to be vaccinated against covid-19. However, he and a small group of other players have been granted a pass to play regardless of those requirements. Djokovic has refused to disclose his vaccination status because he wants to keep his medical history private.
However, the 20-time Grand Slam champion is facing calls to shed light on his medical exemption with some claiming the Serbian has received special treatment. When Jamie Murray was asked about the situation at the ATP Cup he replied: “I mean, I don’t know what to say about that really… I think if it was me that wasn’t vaccinated I wouldn’t be getting an exemption..’
The decision to award medical exemptions has to be approved by two panels of medical experts. During the review process, they are presented with blind applications which means they have no idea who the name of the person is. Instead, they focus solely on the medical evidence which has been presented to them.
Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley says a total of 26 applications for a medical exemption was submitted but only a ‘handful’ was approved. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, he has defended the process. However, he said he would be ‘helpful’ if Djokovic disclosed details about his exemption.
“We’re just not in a position – even legally – not in a position to disclose other people’s medical information,” said Tiley.
“It’ll certainly be helpful if Novak was to explain the conditions in which he’s sought an exemption and granted an exemption but ultimately it’s up to him.”
“We’ve been through a very tough period over the past two years and we would appreciate some answers to that.”
According to The Age newspaper, a Tennis Australia medical official confirmed that most of the applications for a medical exemption were done so on the basis that players had tested positive for COVID-19 over the past six months. Meaning they have been allowed to defer taking the vaccine. However, they are not allowed to speak about specific cases due to confidentiality reasons.
Victoria’s Acting Sports Minister Jaala Pulford denies that Djokovic has been given special treatment in order to play at the Grand Slam. Like Tiley, she has urged the tennis star to reveal details about his exemption.
“I would encourage him to the view that that’s not an unreasonable thing for the Victorian community to have answered,” she told reporters.
As well as facing mounting criticism, Djokovic’s travel to Australia is reportedly under investigation by officials. It is understood that The Acting Australian Border Force Commissioner is looking into an ‘issue’ relating to his Travel Declaration for the Australian Open.
It is unclear as to what the issue is. However, Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews released a statement saying that no special treatment will be given to those playing in the Australian Open as she outlined the country’s policy.
“If an arriving individual is not vaccinated, they must provide acceptable proof that they cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons to be able to access the same travel arrangement as fully vaccinated travellers,” She said.
Djokovic is bidding to win a record 21st Grand Slam title at this year’s Australian Open.
