Novak Djokovic causes controversy over vaccines, explains: Why tennis star’s visa was canceled before Australian Open
World No 1 Novak Djokovic has dominated the Australian Open for more than a decade, winning nine titles at his first Grand Slam of the year. But, 2022 will be the first year he hasn’t played in the major league since 2005.
After flying to Melbourne on Wednesday, Djokovic was stopped by Australian border control due to an error in his medical clearance. Djokovic’s chances of taking three places at this year’s Grand Slam have been in doubt for several months now, after Australia announced that players will be required to be vaccinated to enter the country. The 20-time Grand Slam winner is well known for being against COVID-19 vaccination, although his vaccination status has yet to be made public.
Australian Open Prime Minister Scott Morrison commented on the situation with a tweet:
Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies are vital to Australia having the lowest COVID mortality rate in the world, we are continuing to be vigilant.
– Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 5, 2022
On January 4, Djokovic caused a stir when it was announced that the Australian Open organizers had granted him a medical exemption to compete at the tournament. This has caused outrage in Australia, as residents have faced severe restrictions since the pandemic flared up again in early 2020.
On Wednesday, reports suggested Djokovic’s arrival in Australia could be delayed. Australian Border Force found an error in his medical exemption application when Djokovic entered the country; Djokovic’s team did not specifically ask him to be exempt from vaccinations.
According to the reportDjokovic was questioned at the airport and will not be officially allowed to return home until the matter is resolved. After further research, the Border Force asked Djokovic to leave the country. According to the Times, Djokovic’s lawyers plan to appeal.
With the rise of the omicron variant, Australia has increased restrictions, with very little travel allowed. About 90% of the country’s population 16 and older are vaccinated, but the country is still seeing the highest number of COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began. according to BBC.
THAN: Serena Williams to attend Australian Open 2022
Happy New Year! Wishing you all health, love and joy in every moment and may you feel the love and respect for all beings on this wonderful planet.
I’ve been spending great quality time with loved ones during my respite and today I’m going Down with a waive. Let’s start in 2022! pic.twitter.com/e688iSO2d4
– Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 4, 2022
The fact that Djokovic is exempt from the vaccine has clearly angered the Australian people.
THAN: Who has won the most Grand Slams in men’s tennis?
Novak Djokovic will be on his way to Melbourne this evening.
The anti-vax world number one has been allowed to compete at the Australian Open, after he received a medical exemption.
The decision caused widespread outrage. @reid_butler9 # 9News pic.twitter.com/nb1C8IBSsw
– 9News Melbourne (@ 9NewsMelb) January 5, 2022
“No one is or will receive special treatment because of who they are or what they have achieved professionally,” Victorian Minister Jaala Pulford said of Novak Djokovic.
Wrong. Athletes, actors and the wealthy have received special treatment since the day of the pandemic.
– Karen Sweeney (@karenlsweeney) January 4, 2022
The Australian has been denied for two years, but this bloke – who has exercised extraordinary freedoms in the face of the coronavirus – is exempt. Novak Djokovic is an all-time great, but he’s not a necessity.
– Andy Maher (@AndyMaherDFA) January 4, 2022
It will be *VERY* interesting to see how people in Melbourne, the city with the longest COVID-19 lockdown in the world, will react to Novak Djokovic competing at the Australian Open.
– Nikolaus Fink (@NikolausFink) January 4, 2022
THAN: What is Grand Slam?
Djokovic has not suffered any recent injuries, at least none that he has made public, leading to speculation about what his reasons might be for the medical exemption.
Participants at the Australian Open who arrived in the last week or so for quarantine. Players need to be vaccinated, and if they have been in close contact with a positive case, they must undergo a quarantine period of at least seven days.
The Australian Open begins Monday, January 17 and runs until Sunday, January 30.
