There is a lot of controversy about the participation of Novak Djokovic in the upcoming Australian Open. All players need to be fully vaccinated to compete. The Serbian legend is well known for being against vaccinations to prompt some initial speculations he won’t compete Down Under in Australia.
Medical Exemption for Djokovic?
We just received the fantastic news that Novak Djokovic is part of the entry list of the Australian Open. This means that either Novak will be fully vaccinated or he will get a very rare medical exemption. Because of his stance against vaccines, there are many speculations also from the local Australian media that the world number 1 received a medical exemption.
However, nothing has been confirmed, but the unproven allegations are drawing the local fans against Novak. In fact, it is widely considered unfair that Djokovic (and any other player) receives a medical exemption why the other players and the citizens in Victoria make an effort to be fully vaccinated.
The Australian Open is caught in a vaccine stand-off after @DjokerNole officially signed on to play in the tournament, possibly under a medical exemption. But the state government has doubled down on its stand, demanding that all players must be vaccinated. @CameronBaud7 #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/nZmQdMFANm
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) December 8, 2021
Best case scenario
The recent allegations from the local media are making things quite complicated for both Novak Djokovic and the Australian Open organization.
The best-case scenario is obviously that a fully fit Novak Djokovic will chase his 21st, at the upcoming Australian Open being fully vaccinated. If so, it would be great if Novak publicly reveals that he was fully vaccinated.
Medical records are obviously personal but that would be a great gesture from the Serbian champion and with his platform, he could save many lives convincing no-vaxxers to get a jab.
Novak Djokovic in 2021
Currently ranked no.1, Djokovic played his last match on the 3rd of December when he beat world no.30 Marin Cilic 6-4 6-2 in the Rubber 2 of the Davis Cup (draw).
Until now, during this year Novak has managed to achieve a composed 55-7 win-loss record. Djokovic clinched 5 titles in 2021 at the Australian Open, in Belgrade, at the French Open, in Wimbledon and in Paris. The Serbian was the finalist in Rome and at the U.S. Open.