World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic continues to keep his vaccination status a secret, but in a surprising turn of events, the reigning Australian Open champion is on this year’s official list of competitors, as he could still play in the tournament if he receives a medical exemption. Responding to this development, Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie, who believes that Djokovic is trying to exploit a “loophole” to dodge the Grand Slam’s Covid restrictions, has insisted that the original rules must still be applied, meaning that only double-vaccinated players can attend. The Mail Australia has the story.
Jacqui Lambie has blasted Novak Djokovic after the Australian Open named him on its competition entry list despite the world number one refusing to reveal if he is fully vaccinated.
Tennis Australia named the 34 year-old, an outspoken Covid vaccine sceptic, on its official list of competitors for the Melbourne Grand Slam on Wednesday.
Djokovic has so far refused to reveal if he is double-jabbed despite the Victorian Government mandating that all competitors must have received both doses.
The Tasmanian Senator on Thursday morning said the rules were simple and Djokovic shouldn’t receive any special treatment.
“I don’t give a stuff whether you’re the number one,” she told the Today show. “You’re either double vaccinated or not. If you’re not double vaccinated, you’re not coming in.”
Reports emerged on Wednesday the tennis great could pursue a medical exemption if he wasn’t vaccinated – a loophole allowing him to compete in the tournament and enter Australia without quarantining.
“I don’t know where the loophole comes from – you’re either double vaccinated or not,” Lambie said.
The sport’s governing body said players could get around the strict quarantine requirements by obtaining a “valid medical exemption”.
But Deputy Premier James Merlino downplayed that possibility, as there were only a few reasons why medical exemptions would be granted.
“So my view and I think the view of all Victorians (and) the expectation of all Victorians is that everyone who attends the Open player, spectator, staff, officials, everyone is fully vaccinated.”
Djokovic apparently has grounds to apply for the exemption and is backed by Tennis Australia officials, News Corp reported.
“[The rules] include certified proof of vaccination or a valid medical exemption approved by Australian medical officials,” Tennis Australia said.
What has also been made clear by health officials is that international arrivals who don’t meet these requirements will need to quarantine for 14 days.
Tennis Australia denied the suggestion it was seeking ‘loopholes’ to help Djokovic enter the country.
“Any application for a medical exemption must follow strict government guidelines based on ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) clinical advice,” Tennis Australia told Daily Mail Australia.
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