Novak Djokovic will be able to defend the Australian Open title after receiving the medical exemption from vaccination.
The number one in the world has announced it this Tuesday morning through his social networks.
Djokovic, who had refused to reveal his COVID-19 vaccination status, previously said he was unsure whether he would compete in the Grand Slam due to concerns about Australia's quarantine rules.
“I had a fantastic few days with my loved ones and today I am heading to Australia with a waiver permit.
Let's go 2022, "he wrote.
Happy New Year!
Wishing you all health, love & joy in every moment & may you feel love & respect towards all beings on this wonderful planet.
I've spent fantastic quality time with loved ones over break & today I'm heading Down Under with an exemption permission.
Let's go 2022!
pic.twitter.com/e688iSO2d4
- Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 4, 2022
The exemption was the only way for Djokovic to be able to fly to Australia as tournament organizers stipulated that all participants must be vaccinated against the coronavirus or have a medical exemption granted by an independent panel of experts.
More information
Djokovic keeps Australia in suspense
"There are no special rules for tennis players or for anyone," Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in mid-December. "He [Djokovic] will follow the same requirements as everyone to enter Australia," added the leader in a statement to the Sky News channel. "Vaccines have nothing to do with blackmail, but with making the Victoria community more protected," Victoria Sports Minister Martin Pakula said on December 1.
Tiley, the Open boss, said "very few" medical exemptions would be granted.
"And if Novak is going to come to play it is because he is vaccinated or because he has the exemption," he said, aware that the Serbian is one of the great assets of his sport.
Now it remains to be seen if he will be forced to remain in quarantine or can train from this Wednesday on the tracks of Melbourne Park.
The Australian Open starts on Monday 17th and ends on Sunday 30th January.
Most of the tennis players have already arrived in Melbourne and are already training on the tournament courts.
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