Australian Open: The chances for World No 1 Novak Djokovic to play in the Australian Open might be improving after tournament director Craig Tiley revealed that a ‘small percentage’ of unvaccinated ‘tennis professionals’ will be allowed to enter Melbourne Park thanks to medical exemptions for the Australian Open in January. Follow Australian Open tennis updates on InsideSport.IN
This means Novak Djokovic, nine-time winner and the defending champion, could compete in the opening major of the year without disclosing his COVID-19 vaccination status. The Serbian is reportedly a strong opponent of players being forced to get vaccinated to compete in tournaments and has not yet disclosed his vaccination status.
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic participation chances improve as tournament director reveals small percentage will receive medical exemption, check details
Earlier, the Australian Open organisers had said that no “medical exemptions” would be granted to players unless there was a genuine reason. But on Wednesday, Tiley conceded that very few players would be given an exemption.
“The great thing is that everyone coming to Melbourne Park is vaccinated. There will be a small percentage — a very small percentage — that will have a medical exemption. If any player, fan (or) workforce is on site here, you’re either vaccinated or you have a medical exemption that’s approved and you’re on the Australian Immunisation Register. That provides us with safety and an extra level of comfort on site,” Tiley was quoted as saying.
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic participation chances improve as tournament director reveals small percentage will receive medical exemption, check details
The medical exemption requirements agreed between tournament organisers and the Victorian Department of Health mean that the privacy of players granted an exemption will be protected. This means that if Djokovic does play, it will be at his discretion whether he says he obtained an exemption of if he has been vaccinated.
Medical exemption rules for Australian Open
Under an independent process, applications for a medical exemption will first be reviewed by an expert panel made up of doctors from the fields of immunology, infectious disease and general practice.
It will then be subject to a second review, conducted by a government-appointed panel of medical experts.
If an exemption is deemed valid in line with Australian guidelines, the medical exemption will be submitted to the Australian Immunisation Register.
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic participation chances improve as tournament director reveals small percentage will receive medical exemption, check details
