The organizers of the Australian Open announced on Wednesday that the world's top-ranked tennis player, Novak Djokovic, was included in the entry list of players for the event in 2022, despite a lack of clarity about his Covid-19 vaccine status.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates match point in his quarter final match against Kei Nishikori of Japan.
The images are from the same company.
The organizers of the Australian Open said in a statement Wednesday that the tournament will have the top seed in the main draw.
The statement says that the Serbian will start as a favorite in his title defense as he chases a record breaking 21st Grand Slam title.
The Australian Open announcement comes a few hours after Victoria's deputy premier ruled out offering an exemption to the Serbian player, who has not publicly disclosed his vaccine status.
Ash Barty is the top ranked women's player in the main draw.
Serena Williams had to withdraw from the first grand slam of the year due to advice from her medical team.
Naomi Osaka is also expected to return to action in the event.
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The first major event of the tennis calendar, the Australian Open, has been in doubt since October after Novak Djokovic told Serbian tabloid Blic that he was unsure about traveling to Australia and wouldn't reveal his vaccination status. All players, fans, support staff and officials are required to be fully vaccineed by the Australian government. Visiting players with regards to the vaccine mandate will not be given special exemptions. The Serbian team that will play in the Australian Tennis Cup in a few days is also named as a part of it.
What to watch for.
It's not clear how he will be allowed to enter Australia and participate in the two events, as he has not publicly disclosed his vaccination status. The tennis star may use a loophole in the vaccine mandate to get a medical exemption, according to some news reports. Tennis Australia denied seeking loopholes on behalf of the players and the Victorian government objected to this idea.
The quote is crucial.
Medical exemptions are not a loophole for privileged tennis players. If you have an acute medical condition, it is a medical exemption.
The New York Times reported that Novak was named as a competitor in the Australian Open.
Questions about his Vaccination Status have led to Novak Djokovic being picked for the tournament.
