Seven-times Grand Slam doubles champion Jamie Murray was amongst these to query the choice to grant world primary Novak Djokovic a medical exemption from getting vaccinated towards COVID-19 with a purpose to compete on the Australian Open.
Djokovic, gunning for a tenth title at Melbourne Park later this month, was cleared to play within the yr’s first main on Tuesday by Tennis Australia.
The governing physique had stipulated that every one members have to be vaccinated towards the coronavirus or have a medical exemption granted by an unbiased panel of consultants.
Murray mentioned it might have been tough for him to get an identical exemption if he have been within the Serbian’s place.
“I mean, I don’t know what to say about that really… I think if it was me that wasn’t vaccinated I wouldn’t be getting an exemption,” the Briton mentioned throughout the ATP Cup in Sydney.
“But well done to him for getting clear to come to Australia and compete.”.
Happy New Year! Wishing you all well being, love & pleasure in each second & could you are feeling love & respect in the direction of all beings on this glorious planet.
I’ve spent unbelievable high quality time with family members over break & immediately I’m heading Down Under with an exemption permission. Let’s go 2022! pic.twitter.com/e688iSO2d4
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 4, 2022
Paul Annacone, a former coach to Roger Federer and Pete Sampras, mentioned it was his understanding that purposes for medical exemptions have been completed anonymously.
“The two panels it goes through do not know who the person is, they just look at the symptoms,” Annacone mentioned on the Tennis Channel.
“If that integrity is upheld, then what’s done is done. But there’s going to be a lot of questions asked.”
Annacone mentioned Djokovic ought to nonetheless anticipate some rigidity from tennis followers in Australia, who’ve needed to endure a number of lockdowns because of COVID-19 over the previous two years.
“But Novak Djokovic is pretty good when there’s a little bit of antagonism going on,” he mentioned.
American participant Taylor Townsend mentioned the crowds would come round as soon as they noticed Djokovic in motion.
“When he steps out on the court and he starts to display what he does well, which is play amazing tennis and entertain, I think that they are going to be very happy,” she mentioned.
Britain’s captain on the ATP Cup Liam Broady mentioned that there was no possibility however to belief that Djokovic had a legitimate purpose to hunt an exemption.
The choice, nevertheless, was condemned by journalists and former athletes in Australia.
Melbourne-based broadcaster Andy Maher mentioned: “Djokovic is an all-time great, but not essential.”
Former Australian Rules participant Corey McKernan tweeted: “People with loved ones who are dying/some needing urgent treatment cannot get into their own states. You tell people they can’t go to Coles or a cafe without being vaxxed but if you’re world number one you get a pass?”
Victory on the Australian Open, which will get underway on Jan. 17, will give Djokovic his twenty first main title, another than the joint-record he shares with Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal.
