Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis player, has been granted an exemption to play in the Australian Open in Melbourne later this month, triggering a furious response from health authorities and frustrated residents.
Tennis Australia said a medical exemption had been granted to Djokovic, the defending Australian Open champion, after a “rigorous review process” by two independent panels of medical experts including one appointed by the Victorian Department of Health.
The player, 34, has refused to confirm his vaccination status but has publicly opposed mandatory vaccinations.
Craig Tiley, the Australian Open tournament director, reiterated that all players, fans and staff at the tennis must be fully vaccinated “unless there is a genuine reason why an exemption should be granted” to ensure the safety of all participants.
He told broadcaster 9News that the exemption was granted to a handful of applicants, including Djokovic, after a review process that went “above and beyond” what other unvaccinated people entering Australia must comply with. “Ultimately it’s the…
