After months of uncertainty, world No.1 and nine-times champion Novak Djokovic has finally confirmed his participation at the 2022 Australian Open.
Djokovic took to social media on Tuesday night to announce he was on his way to Australia after being granted a medical exemption.
“I’ve spent fantastic quality time with my loved ones over the break and today I’m heading Down Under with an exemption permission. Let’s go 2022,” he said on Instagram.
“Happy New Year! Wishing you all health, love & joy in every moment & may you feel love & respect towards all beings on this wonderful planet.”Â
The Serbian superstar had repeatedly refused to disclose his vaccination status after the Victorian government mandated only fully vaccinated players, fans and staff would be allowed into Melbourne Park.
But Djokovic, who’d also expressed concerns about Australia’s quarantine rules, received a reprieve last month when Victorian premier Dan Andrews and Tennis Australia moved to have an independent panel established to preside over requests for medical exemptions against having the COVID-19 vaccination.
TA boss and Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said the panel would consist of doctors from the fields of immunology, infectious disease and general practice.
Due to privacy laws, players who chose to request an exemption were not obliged to reveal so publicly.
But Tiley estimated close to 95 per cent of players had been jabbed.
Djokovic withdrew from this week’s ATP Cup in Sydney in a strong indication he was among the small minority of unvaccinated players.
Without a match since last year’s Davis Cup Finals in early December, the world No.1 will likely seek a wildcard to contest either next week’s Sydney Tennis Classic or the second Adelaide International.
Otherwise the 34-year-old will launch his assault for a 10th Open crown without any competitive build-up.
“I am ready to live and breathe tennis in the next few weeks of competition. Thanks everyone for the support,” Djokovic added in his statement, which was accompanied by a picture of him in an airport.
Reactions to Djokovic’s medical exemption
It’s fair to say the reaction to the news on Twitter wasn’t exactly positive as many people are now expecting the top ranked star to be public enemy number one when the tournament kicks off.
AAP
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