This archive report was first published on 5 January 2022.
January 5, 2022, Melbourne, Australia - The world's number one tennis player, Novak Djokovic, has sparked anger after receiving a medical exemption to participate in the Australian Open without being vaccinated against Covid-19.
According to Australian Open boss Craig Tiley, Djokovic is among a small group of players and support staff who gained a vaccine exemption, allowing them to enter the country.
However, the medical reason for the exemption has not been disclosed, with Tiley stating that the applicant is responsible for revealing the grounds for the exemption.
Tiley explained that a total of 26 tennis players and support staff applied for exemptions, which were examined by two panels in a system set up in agreement with the Victorian state government.
The first panel of doctors assessed whether the applications met the exemption guidelines set by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), while the second panel of government-appointed medical experts reviewed the applications further.
ATAGI sets out several key reasons for allowing temporary exemptions from Australia's Covid-19 vaccine requirements, including proof of a previous Covid-19 infection, a major medical condition, or a serious adverse event to a previous Covid-19 vaccination.
Tiley acknowledged that people may be upset by the news of Djokovic's exemption but insisted that he had not been given special treatment, stating that anyone meeting the guidelines, including through proof of a recent Covid infection, was allowed to enter Australia.
