Bypassing vaccinations: Djokovic's permission to compete at the Australian Open drew a wave of criticism

The first racket of the world Novak Djokovic was at the center of the first high-profile scandal in the new tennis season.

He announced that he will compete in the Australian Open despite his refusal to undergo the mandatory coronavirus vaccination.

The tennis player received a medical challenge, which is why he became the object of criticism from fans and other tennis players.

Djokovic's participation in the Australian Open, which he has won a record nine times, was called into question last November. Then the director of the tournament, Craig Tiley, announced that everyone who wants to get to the competition needs to be vaccinated. He stressed that this requirement is mandatory for athletes, fans and staff, and it comes directly from the Australian authorities, which refuses to allow unvaccinated guests into their territory.

The overwhelming majority of famous tennis players were vaccinated and calmly accepted the demands of the organizers. Djokovic is known for his negative attitude towards vaccinations, which he expressed at the beginning of the pandemic. In the future, he refused to disclose information about whether he received the vaccine or not, citing privacy. In this regard, there were serious concerns that the first racket would not defend his title as winner of the AusOpen and won the 21st Grand Slam tournament.

However, already in mid-December, the organizers softened the requirements. Tiley announced that unvaccinated players will be able to enter the tournament if they receive a medical challenge. To do this, they need to submit an application, which will be double-checked by experts in immunology, infectious diseases and general practice. It was argued that the process of obtaining a medical withdrawal would be completely confidential and the identity of the person whose status was being considered would not be known to experts.

Eligibility criteria are determined by the Australian Immunization Technical Advisory Group. According to her instructions, temporary permission to stay in the country without vaccination can be obtained by those who have had coronavirus in the past six months, have suffered a serious illness (were hospitalized or operated on) or had negative side effects after the first dose. A separate category includes people with psychological disorders who can harm themselves or others if they receive the vaccine.

Despite the loophole that appeared, Djokovic did not use it immediately.

On December 29, he withdrew from the ATP Cup in Sydney, where he was supposed to play for the Serbian national team.

At the same time, the Serbian media began to issue conflicting information that Djokovic would either withdraw from the Australian Open, or still perform at it.

On January 4, less than two weeks before the start of the Major, the Serbian tennis player announced that he would go to the tournament.

On his Instagram, he talked about the presence of a medical outlet.

This news was confirmed in its press release by the organizing committee of AusOpen.

The message says that Djokovic has passed both peer reviews and can now come to Australia.

“A fair and independent procedure has been established for issuing medical waivers to ensure that the Australian Open is safe and enjoyable for everyone.

The rationale for this process is that decisions are made by independent medical experts and each applicant is given due diligence, ”Tiley said.

The news sparked outrage among fans.

While some social media users were happy to see his top favorite at the Australian Open, most didn't like the exception made for Djokovic.

Many noted that now the Serbian tennis player will be booed every time he appears on the courts of Melbourne Park.

The anger of tennis fans is also caused by the fact that other players in a similar situation could not count on the same attitude towards themselves. 

Some of Djokovic's colleagues also expressed their dissatisfaction.

Briton Liam Broady sarcastically remarked that he had long known about the future Djokovic's medical withdrawal, and the former first racket of the world in doubles Jamie Murray said that he could not follow the example of the 20-time winner of the Grand Slam tournaments.

“I think that if I had not been vaccinated, I would not have been able to get a challenge.

He's great for getting permission to come to Australia and compete.

We can only trust that he has a good reason for the medication, ”said the British tennis player.

President of the Russian Tennis Federation Shamil Tarpishchev also expressed a negative attitude towards what was happening.

He noted the inconsistency of the AusOpen organizers, which require all players to be vaccinated.

“Speaking about Djokovic at the Australian Open, other athletes naturally wonder why some are given an exception and others are not.

I respect Djokovic, but there should be one rule for everyone.

Novak is a personality and has done a lot for tennis.

He defended his position, his opinion.

The controversial issue, rather, to the organizers of the tournament.

In fact, it is as controversial as the question of why they oblige everyone to be vaccinated, ”Tarpischev told the Championship.