Tennis Australia denies seeking loopholes for unvaccinated players amid row over Novak Djokovic | Tennis

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The Australian tennis organization has responded to suggestions that it is seeking to exploit a “loophole” in cross-border entry rules so that unvaccinated players can compete in the upcoming Australian Open, amid speculation over Novak Djokovic’s ability to enter the country.

On Wednesday morning, Victoria’s deputy prime minister, James Merlino, responded to a report that World No 1 had the support of Tennis Australia – the organizers of the World Cup – to apply for a medical exemption after repeatedly refusing to disclose his vaccination status.

Government officials previously said that only fully vaccinated players, entourage, staff and fans will be granted entry to Melbourne Park for the first Grand Slam of the season from January 17-30.

However, Djokovic was announced this week as part of Serbia’s team competing in the ATP Cup in Sydney in early January, fueling speculation that he may seek to enter the country through New South Wales, and may seek a medical exemption to circumvent the rules that apply. on unvaccinated travelers.

“My view on this is really clear, really simple,” Merlino said on Wednesday. “Everyone is looking forward to the Australian Open and everyone who will attend – the spectators, the players, the officials and the staff – everyone is expected to be fully vaccinated.”

“It’s the rules. Medical exemptions are just a loophole for top tennis players… It’s a medical exemption in exceptional circumstances if you have an acute medical condition,” Merlino said.

Merlino added that decision-making powers to issue exemptions are ultimately vested in the Commonwealth.

“All players, participants and staff at the Australian Open must be vaccinated,” Tennis Australia said, in a statement released later on Wednesday that did not name Djokovic by name.

“Any suggestion that Tennis Australia is looking for ‘holes’ in this process is simply incorrect. The adjudication of medical exceptions is the prerogative of independent medical experts. We are not in a position to influence this process and will not.”

“Any application for medical exemption must follow strict government guidelines on the advice of Atagi (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization). This is the same process that applies to anyone wishing to enter Australia,” Tennis Australia’s statement said.

Tennis Australia has yet to confirm the list of players who will compete in the upcoming Australian Open.

To play without a vaccination at the ATP Cup in Sydney, the NSW government will have to apply for an exemption and the 34-year-old will have to undergo a 14-day quarantine upon arrival.

If she is not vaccinated, Djokovic will have to arrive in Sydney by December 16 in order to complete a mandatory 14-day quarantine for unvaccinated travelers before the competition begins on January 1.

The Guardian has contacted the New South Wales government for comment.

with AAP

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