Exceptions and exemptions: on Novak Djokovic’s denial of entry on Australia

Novak Djokovic being denied entry to Australia One of the most gruesome stories in the game came in the early hours of Thursday after his visa was revoked after a 10-hour standoff with the Australian Border Force (ABF) at Melbourne airport. World No. 1 and three-time defending Australian Open champion, who was also a vaccine skeptic Received medical exemptions from the Victorian State Government and Tennis Australia – The sport’s national governing body – to circumvent the mandatory vaccination requirement to play in the season’s opening Majors. But in a surprise change, the Serbs were barred at border controls after the ABF, which operates under the Australian government, sparked a diplomatic row as evidence supporting his medical exemption was deemed insufficient. Faced with the prospect of relegation, Djokovic now faces a legal challenge whose fate will be known by Monday. Away from all the drama, this month could have been crucial for the 20-time Major winner as he is on the verge of overtaking Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for the most Grand Slam men’s singles titles. Melbourne is his favorite hunting ground, having won an Open Era-record nine titles there. Instead, it could end in disgrace for one of the game’s true greats.

This is a saga from which no one party emerges with credit. In the past, Djokovic has declined vaccine mandates to travel and play and asked to respect everyone’s personal preference. But in a public health crisis, the exercise of free will comes with responsibilities and reasonable restrictions, a fact Djokovic has always been oblivious to. In the present case, the least Djokovic could do was explain the nature of the exemption he sought and received. The Australian public, of whom more than 90% of the population at 16 are fully vaccinated, was furious as it imposed some drastic lockdowns to limit the death rate, missed birthdays, weddings and funerals of loved ones. has tolerated. Lowest anywhere in the world – about 2,300 on Thursday. That said, for two independent medical boards, one set up by Tennis Australia and the other by Victoria, to approve a medical exemption that may not pass muster with their own federal authorities, raises considerable doubt. It came a day after Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison left the decision in the hands of the state government for Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to take a hard stance on Djokovic’s involvement, indicating he knew which side the political wind was blowing. The centre-right government has seen its popularity decline in recent months, as it struggles to contain an endless cycle of rising cases and lockdowns. If Djokovic becomes political football, it will be sad whether he pushed the envelope.