The world number one Novak Djokovic was given the opportunity to defend his title at the Australian Open after being given a medical exemption from the corona virus vaccine.
As you may recall, all the tennis players and team members were required to be vaccinated or presented with an exemption in order to participate in the tournament, and the Serb - a nine-time Melbourne champion - refused to disclose his vaccine status.
As a result, after retiring from the Serbian national team's ATP CUP tournament, the possibility arose that Djokovic would not be allowed to participate in the first tournament of the year. Last night the speculation ended. Nola confirmed his participation in a post he posted on Instagram: "I spent quality time with the family but now I come with the medical exemption," the Serb wrote next to a photo of himself at the airport; "I'm ready to breathe tennis in these weeks of competition."
One significant thing is still unclear in this whole story: how and why did the world number one receive a medical exemption that allows him to enter a country that is so tightly closed? Requests for such an exemption are examined by two separate external panels, and the conditions for obtaining an exemption range from myocarditis to one acute condition or another. Nola, who as far as is known does not suffer from any medical problem, nevertheless received the exemption. Additional conditions for obtaining an exemption include non-medical clauses, but it is hard to believe that Djokovic received the permit because he has an "important national interest" or is endowed with "exceptional work skills required in areas of Australia".
Since all details are confidential, it is estimated that the exemption is granted to Nola because it has already been applied in the past, and therefore does not require vaccination.
As competition director Craig Tilly explained: "Independent protocols have been established to give those who need these exemptions and to hold a safe tournament for everyone."
Doubtless Nola deserves an exemption, but surely the organizers could not have afforded to leave the tournament without him.
And you can understand that.
In Djokovic's hands is the opportunity to make history in Melbourne.
He is currently sharing the summit with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, all of whom have 20 titles and only the Spaniard will take part in the tournament from the other two.
The Serb, on the other hand, has won the title in the last three years and comes after a year in which he participated in all four finals of the Grand Slam tournaments and won three of them.
The Australian Championship will only open in the middle of the month, but Djokovic has already achieved his victory.
The exemption he received is a testament to his strength and status, and to the fact that tennis needs him - vaccinated or not.
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