Sydney, December 9 (BNA) Tournament director Craig Tilly said today, Thursday, that tennis players hoping to compete in the Australian Open have not yet been given medical exemption from vaccination, as he stressed that everyone in Melbourne Park needs a full vaccination. .
Tilley also said that Novak Djokovic’s inclusion on Wednesday’s Australian Open entry list does not indicate anything about his COVID-19 vaccination status, which the world number one refused to disclose, citing privacy, Reuters reports.
“To be clear, no one can play the Australian Open unless they are vaccinated,” Tilley told ABC.
“The only condition in which you can compete, other than vaccination, is to receive a medical exemption from the Australian authorities…
“I’ve seen reports this morning. No medical exceptions have been granted at this point.”
And Tilley added that appearing on the entry list has no bearing on whether Djokovic will actually be in Melbourne from January 17-30 seeking a 10th Australian Open title and a record 21st men’s Grand Slam singles title.
“Everyone is on the entry list,” Tilly said. “It’s not a commitment list about exactly who will be in the draw. That comes in a matter of several weeks when the actual list and draw for the Australian Open will be completed.”
Serena Williams was not on the list, having decided not to compete on the advice of her medical team, as well as Roger Federer, who is still recovering from a series of knee operations.
Djokovic said last week he would make a decision “very soon” about traveling to Australia.
His father, Srdjan, said last month that Djokovic was unlikely to play and described the vaccination demand as akin to “blackmail”.
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