Djokovic Is Criticized For Being Allowed To Enter Australian Open Without Getting Vaccinated

Novak Djokovic (Instagram @djokernole)

JAKARTA - Seven-time Grand Slam men's doubles champion Jamie Murray is among those questioning the decision to grant a medical exemption to unvaccinated world number one Novak Djokovic to compete at the Australian Open.

Djokovic, seeking a 10th Australian Open title later this month, was cleared to compete in the first major tournament of the year on Tuesday by Tennis Australia.

The tennis governing body has determined that all participants must be vaccinated against the coronavirus or have a medical exemption granted by an independent panel of experts.

This panel must be composed of doctors in immunology, infectious disease, and general and the process must be approved by the Victorian Department of Health.

Murray said it would be difficult for him to get such an exception had he been Serb.

"I mean, I really don't know what to say about it... I don't think if I was vaccinated I wouldn't get an exception," the Briton said at the ATP Cup in Sydney.

"But congratulations to him because he was able to come to Australia and compete," he continued as quoted by Reuters.

England captain Liam Broady said he had no choice but to believe Djokovic had the right reasons to get an exception.

Former British singles number one Andrew Castle was equally critical, telling the BBC he was not surprised by the reaction to the exclusion but called the decision unfair.

"We don't know what Djokovic's medical exemption is and we'll never know because it's personal. But he has to have it. We knew this would happen when the exemption was announced... it's unfair because he's already satisfied two independent panels," he said.

"I can understand the Australian public being outraged," Castle added. "There is no doubting his prowess in tennis, what matters here is his leadership and example, not that vaccinations are not mandatory."

The decision itself was condemned by the press and former athletes in Australia who have had to go into lockdown due to COVID-19 for the past two years.

Melbourne-based broadcaster Andy Maher said: "Djokovic may be the greatest player of all time, but it doesn't matter.

Former Australian Rules player Corey McKernan tweeted: "People whose loved ones are dying or need urgent care cannot get into their own state. You forbid people without vaccinations from going to Coles or cafes but if you are world number one then you qualify?"

If he wins the Australian Open again, which starts on January 17, then Djokovic will total his 21st Grand Slam title or one more title than Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal.