After receiving a medical exemption for gaining entry to the Australian Open grand slam regardless of his COVID-19 vaccination status, Novak Djokovic will be required to provide acceptable proof that validates such medical grounds, the Australian home affairs minister Karen Andrews explained in a statement. This comes after the ATP world number one ATP announced his intention to participate in the tournament on social media.
Initially, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison explained that the decision to permit entry to Djokovic lay with the government of Victoria, the state where the Australian Open will be held. Andrews later elaborated, explaining that when Djokovic initially arrives at the airport, it will be the national government that determines whether he will be granted entry to the country.
“If an arriving individual is not vaccinated, they must provide acceptable proof that they cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons to be able to access the same travel arrangement as fully vaccinated travelers,” Andrews confirmed.
With supporters and critics commenting on Djokovic’s situation, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley came out in defense of the reigning Australian Open champion, explaining that Djokovic underwent the full legitimate process for a vaccine exemption.
