The Australian Open announced Tuesday that Novak Djokovic has received a medical exemption allowing him to travel to Melbourne and compete in the tournament.
Djokovic, who is seeking a record 21st Grand Slam singles title, has continually refused to reveal if he is vaccinated against COVID-19. The Victoria state government has mandated that all players, staff and fans attending the Australian Open must be fully vaccinated unless there is a genuine reason why an exemption should be granted.
In the wake of Djokovic’s exemption, fans and media reacted to the news with varying opinions.
Some pointed out the potential hypocrisy of letting Djokovic compete when the government has implemented vaccine mandates for participating players and staff, and lockdowns for the general population.
Others pondered how Australian Open attendees and the general public would receive Djokovic’s participation in the tournament.
There were some who examined the legitimacy of the exemption.
Part of the crowd opted to face the news with humour and sarcasm.
-With files from the Associated Press.
