After months of frenzied speculation, defending champion Novak Djokovic announced that he would play in the Australian Open, a tournament where being double-vaccinated against Covid-19 is mandatory to compete, despite declining to receive his jabs.
Those with even the remotest interest in tennis however, will know the Serbian has dubiously been granted a medical exemption to fly out and compete in Melbourne. However, today it has all taken yet more twists and turns with the world’s top male tennis player currently in a room under police guard thanks to issues with his visa.
In a parallel universe the participation of Djokovic is a positive development. An all-time great, a nine-time champion at the event, and for organisers, the narrative surrounding his bid for a record breaking 21st Grand Slam title won’t fail to elevate publicity levels.
Circumstances however, mean his inclusion – or potential non-inclusion should his visa problem not be sorted – is now clouded by controversy and confusion.
Whilst ambiguity and confusion reigns supreme, here’s the lowdown on what we do know so far:
Vaccinations made mandatory for Melbourne
So on November 20, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley confirmed the inevitable by announcing all players must be vaccinated to play in the tournament at Melbourne Park.
Novak Djokovic will now appear at the Australian Open to defend his title
Novak Djokovic has won nine Australian Open titles, and the last three in a row ( Image: REUTERS)
By that point, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews had already outlined the state’s position on the matter and critically, Tiley told Channel Nine that players had already been informed.
“Immediately we communicated that to the playing group, it is the one direction that you take that is going to ensure everyone’s safety,” he said.
“All the playing group understands it, our patrons will need to be vaccinated, all the staff working at the Australian Open will need to be vaccinated.”
Immediately, attention turned to world no 1 Djokovic, who by that point had long publicly opposed the notion of the vaccine becoming a mandate for tour events.
Clarity wasn’t forthcoming though, with the Serbian maintaining his vow to keep his vaccination status private – leading to widespread assumption he hadn’t complied with requests.
Jamie Murray questions validity of Novak Djokovic exemption as Serb jets to Australia
