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Australians are aghast that World No.1 and 20-time grand slam winner Novak Djokovic could be granted an exemption to appear in the Australian Open when a vaccine mandate is in place for sports tournaments.
The Serbian star excitedly announced on his Instagram page that he had received an "exemption permission" and that he would defend his title. Tennis Australia also put out a statement saying, "Novak Djokovic will compete at the Australian Open and is on his way to Australia." But his excitement could be short-lived as the tournament begins at Melbourne Park on January 17, thanks to an outcry on social media and the press in Australia. (https://www.smh.com.au/national/visa-bungle-delays-novak-djokovic-s-entry-into-australia-20220105-p59m75.html) In fact, the Victorian government rejected the vaccination exemption for the visa just before he landed in Melbourne. The state government of Victoria and Tennis Australia cooperate in running the Open
'They may have to send him or put him in immigration detention,' according to Melbourne's Herald Sun.
Many Australians have been vocal in their opposition to the 'unvaccinated' Djokovic playing in the Australian Open. For instance, tennis great Rod Laver called on Djokovic to 'own up' to the reason for his exemption or face hostility from spectators. (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10371109/Novak-Djokovic-lands-Melbourne-Australian-Open-amid-anger-Covid-vaccine-exemption.html)
Even Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison warned Djokovic that he will not be "treated no different from anyone else." Djokovic has been not very clear about his vaccination status, deflecting questions in that regard. But he has mentioned that he was for "natural" solutions in the past.
Djokovic is known for his comebacks on the tennis court. It will be known very soon whether he can wriggle out of a tricky situation outside.
Read more:
Novak Djokovic flies into Australian Open vaccination storm:
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/jan/05/novak-djokovic-flies-into-australian-open-vaccination-storm
The reaction of the Australian public to Djokovic:
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/jan/05/appalling-message-outrage-over-novak-djokovics-medical-exemption-to-play-australian-open