Sydney, Jan. 5 (BUS): Seven-time Grand Slam doubles champion Jimmy Murray was among those who questioned the decision to grant world number one Novak Djokovic medical exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination in order to compete in the Australian Open. . Read more
Djokovic, who is looking to win a 10th title at Melbourne Park later this month, was given permission to play in his first major tournament of the year on Tuesday at the hands of Tennis Australia.
The Board of Directors had stipulated that all participants must be vaccinated against the Corona virus or obtain a medical exemption by an independent expert panel, Reuters reported.
Murray said it would have been difficult for him to obtain a similar exemption if he had been in the Serb’s place.
“I mean, I don’t really know what to say about it… I think if I was the one who didn’t get vaccinated, I wouldn’t get an exemption,” the Briton said during the ATP Cup in Sydney.
“But well done by him because he made it clear to come to Australia and the competition.”
Paul Anacon, the former coach of Roger Federer and Pete Sampras, said he understood that medical exemption requests were being made anonymously.
“The two plates he’s going through don’t know who the person is, they just look at the symptoms,” Anacon said on Tennis Channel.
“If this integrity is maintained, then what has been accomplished. But there will be a lot of questions asked.”
Anacon said Djokovic still expects some tension from tennis fans in Australia, who have had to endure multiple lockdowns due to COVID-19 over the past two years.
“But Novak Djokovic is very good when there is a little bit of hostility,” he said.
American player Taylor Townsend said fans will come as soon as they see Djokovic in action.
“When he gets out on the court and starts to show what he does well, which is playing great tennis and entertaining, I think they will be very happy,” she said.
Britain’s ATP Cup captain Liam Brody said there was no choice but to trust Djokovic had good reason to ask for a waiver.
However, journalists and former athletes in Australia condemned the decision.
“Djokovic is absolutely fantastic, but he’s not fundamental,” said Melbourne-based broadcaster Andy Maher.
Former Australian rules player Corey McKiernan tweeted: “People who have loved ones who are dying/some need urgent treatment can’t get into their states. You tell people they can’t go to Coles or a coffee shop without being sabotaged, but if you’re global number one you get a permit? “
Winning the Australian Open, which kicks off on January 17, would give Djokovic his 21st major title, more than the joint record he shares with Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal.