“Djokovic has applied for a medical exemption, which was granted after a strict review process with the participation of two independent medical expert panels,” said the organizers of the Australian Open in a statement. In it, tournament director Craig Tiley again referred to “fair and independent protocols”.
The organizers resolutely opposed the possible impression that a celebrity like Djokovic could receive special rights. What exactly justified the exemption for the industry leader, however, remained open.
Most recently, the deputy prime minister of the state of Victoria, James Merlino, stressed that medical exemptions are “no loophole for privileged tennis players”. Overall, a handful of professionals should benefit from it – and Djokovic is one of them.
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The 34-year-old Serb recently missed the opportunity to comment on his vaccination status several times.
Most recently, the world number one skipped the ATP Cup without giving a reason, in which, among others, the German and Russian top players Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev – the last two biggest opponents of the successful athlete from Belgrade. Djokovic had meanwhile prepared in Marbella and is now attacking again in Melbourne.
The defending champion is interested in significant entries in the history books of the sport. He has already won the Australian Open nine times and could become the major record champion with his tenth triumph. He is currently at 20 Grand Slam victories and is on par with the Spaniard Rafael Nadal and the Swiss Roger Federer.
While Nadal is also at the start of the Australian Open, Federer will be out for a long time after the next knee operation.
Djokovic’s participation in Melbourne Park is undoubtedly a win for the tournament from a sporting point of view. And it will provide information on whether the trend from the second half of 2021 will solidify. The longtime tour dominator has recently had more and more trouble to assert himself against his ambitious pursuers. Zverev grabbed Olympic gold, Medvedev snatched his chance for the Grand Slam at the US Open.
Now the “Djoker” wants to fight back. With an exemption.
(with SID)
Zverev puts the lid on – Germany beats the USA
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