Novak Djokovic on Wednesday landed in Australia amid a political turmoil over his COVID-19 vaccine status, as a visa dispute added a new twist to the world number one’s attempt to play at the Australian Open.
Djokovic, who has won nine titles at Melbourne Park, including the last three, confirmed on Tuesday that he had received a vaccination waiver to allow him to bid for a record 21st major title at the Australian Open, starting January 17.
There are thousands of people – fully vaccinated – who are not able to see family members and loved ones in Australia because of travel restrictions. But anyone who refuses the vaccine is exempt. Weird messaging. #djokovichttps://t.co/t3Gx1hOpXb
His announcement that he had received a medical exemption to play sparked outrage in Melbourne, which has endured the world’s longest cumulative lockdown and where an outbreak of the Omicron variant has sent case numbers to record highs.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison had already suggested that Djokovic’s participation was not a bargain and that he would have to satisfy the federal government, which has responsibility for international borders and visas and was not part of the waiver process.
And Australian media reported that he was now stopped by a visa error after landing.
The Age newspaper said the Federal Border Force had contacted the Victoria state government to ask whether their team supported his application after applying for the wrong kind of visa.
Not confirming the reason, Victoria’s Sports Minister Jala Pulford said: “The federal government has asked whether we will support Novak Djokovic’s visa application to enter Australia.
Such a slap on the face to Australians for allowing #djokovic A vaccine waiver after what so many people here endured over the past two years. Australians weren’t even allowed to come home from overseas, but apparently if you’re rich and famous, the rules don’t apply
“We will not provide personal visa application support to Novak Djokovic to participate in the 2022 Australian Open Grand Slam.”
It was not clear whether the government would allow his entry. Seema Bal could not be reached for comment.
Morrison had earlier said that there would be no special rules for Djokovic at his exemption.
“If that evidence is insufficient, he won’t be treated any differently and will be on the next plane,” Morrison told a media conference.
Tennis Australia and government officials emphasized that Djokovic, who has said he opposes COVID-19 vaccination, did not receive any preferential treatment.
Australian tennis great Rod Laver, after whom the main showcourt at Melbourne Park in Victoria state is named, warned that Djokovic could face hostility from the local crowd.
“I think it could get ugly,” Laver told News Corp, “I think Victorians might be thinking ‘Yeah, I’d love to see him play and compete, but at the same time, a right way. and a wrong way
“Yes, you’re a great player and you’ve played and won so many tournaments, so it can’t be physical. So what’s the problem?”
Melbourne local Christine Wharton said it was an ‘disgrace’.
“We’ve all done the right thing, we’ve all gone out and have our jabs and our boosters and we have someone who has come from abroad and suddenly he’s given a waiver and he can play and I think it’s a good thing.” Complete disgrace and I won’t see it.”
Explanation `Assistant`
Organizers Tennis Australia have determined that everyone in Melbourne Park should be vaccinated or given a medical exemption by an independent panel of experts.
With the exemptions, Djokovic would not need to quarantine and would enjoy the same freedoms in Melbourne as someone who has been vaccinated.
Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tilly said the independent panel included doctors from the fields of immunology, infectious disease and general practice and that all exemptions met the conditions set out by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Vaccination.
“We completely understand and sympathize with … people are upset by the fact that Novak has come to terms with his statements around vaccination over the years,” he told reporters.
“It would certainly be helpful if Novak explains the terms in which he has sought exemption … but ultimately it is up to him,” he said.
Playing would give Djokovic a chance to overtake Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer, who have 20 Grand Slam crowns.
In a social media post on Tuesday, Djokovic accompanied a photo of himself at the airport saying “Let’s go 2022” as he confirmed he was flying to Australia with a waiver.
There has been a mixed reaction from the players on this decision.
“I think it’s very hard. As we’ve seen a little bit from the Australian public over the past few days, I know how hard it has been for Australians … but really for Victorians in particular. It’s been tough in the last 18 months and two years,” Australia’s Ash Barty, women’s number one, said.
I do not understand why @DjokerNole Getting so hated for your vaccine discounts. He is within the rules, and the government could have said no, but he did not.
— Nicole Melichar-Martinez (@nicole_melichar) 5 January 2022
American couples expert Nicole Melicher-Martinez tweeted: “I don’t understand why @DjokerNole is getting so much hate for his vaccine exemption. She’s within the rules, and the government could have said ‘no’ but He didn’t do that.”
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