Djokovic Denied Into Australia

January 6, 2022

By: Carlos Alvarez

Novak Djokovic Denied Access to Australian Open Due to Vaccine Exemption

Novak Djokovic’s record-breaking 21st grand slam will have to wait until the spring. The World No. 1 tennis player traveled to Australia yesterday after receiving a medical exemption from tournament organizers that reportedly allowed him to compete in the Australian Open despite not receiving a COVID-19 vaccination. Instead, government officials revoked Djokovic’s visa and placed him in a quarantine hotel.

 

Rules Down Under: Australia has seen a record surge in new COVID-19 cases and requires vaccinations from all international travelers. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison tweeted: “Rules are rules.”

 

Chasing History: Djokovic has won three of the last four slams and the last three Australian Opens dating back to 2019. He’s been dominant in Melbourne and the chance of capturing his record-setting 21st slam was high. The tournament begins Jan. 17, and Djokovic’s legal team is expected to fight the Australian government’s process as this story develops.

 

Additional Storylines

Reuters: Serbian President Demands Australian Entry for Novak Djokovic

The Guardian: ‘Quite a Bit to Play Out’ in Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open Saga