Australian Open: Entry problems and broadside politics for Djokovic

Anger, outrage, incomprehension: The Australian Open is just around the corner, but there is currently no talk of big tennis. Instead, the medical exemption for a tournament start by Novak Djokovic caused violent reactions – and now there are obviously problems with the entry of the probably unvaccinated tennis top star.

On arrival at the airport of the metropolis it was found that the Serbian visa is not valid, the Australian media reported on Wednesday. Accordingly, entry for unvaccinated people is not possible with the documents submitted by Djokovic. The then contacted authorities of the Australian state of Victoria refused to support the world number one.

No help will be given to Djokovic to obtain a visa to participate in the Australian Open, Victoria Sports Minister Jaala Pulford tweeted. “We were always clear on two points: Visa approvals are a matter for the national government, medical exemptions are a matter for doctors,” wrote the politician.

The nine-time Melbourne winner Djokovic had always left his vaccination status open. The Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had already requested sufficient evidence for the exemption of the 20-time Grand Slam winner. Otherwise the 34-year-old would be “on the first plane home”, warned Morrison and added: “There should be no special rules for Novak Djokovic, absolutely none.”

Approval for Novak Djokovic angered Australians

Background: The first Grand Slam tournament of the new season starts on January 17th in Melbourne – however, only players who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus or who have received a medical exemption are allowed to take part.

On Tuesday, the 34-year-old industry leader announced after weeks of silence and hesitation that he would now fly to Australia thanks to precisely such a special permit. He has not yet made his vaccination status public.

While prominent tennis colleagues initially held back, the expected entry of the apparently unvaccinated world number one from Serbia caused “anger and confusion”, as the broadcaster ABC called it, especially in Australia. Other comments ranged from “slap in the face for all Australians” to “slap in the face for millions of Australians”. Tournament director Craig Tiley defended the controversial decision, but asked the 20-time Grand Slam winner to give his reasons.

“I was also absolutely surprised,” said the German Davis Cup captain Michael Kohlmann on Wednesday of the German press agency. “There are still many question marks. Hopefully they will be answered in the next few days and weeks before the start.”

And how do fans, media and sponsors react? Journalist Samantha Lewis tweeted that it was “the patriotic duty” of all viewers to boo Djokovic during his entire stay. Interior Minister Karen Andrews also spoke plainly: “Every person who wants to enter Australia has to comply with our strict border regulations,” she stressed. Victoria State Regional Government and Tennis Australia could allow an unvaccinated player to participate in the tournament, but the border rules would be monitored by the national government.

“I don’t care how good he is as a tennis player”

And these rules are and were strict in times of pandemics. “I don’t care how good he is as a tennis player. If he refuses to be vaccinated, he shouldn’t be let in,” said Victoria celebrity doctor Stephen Parnis. The permit is “a terrifying message” to millions of Australians.

“It is sad for the people of this country who have repeatedly been denied international and interstate travel during this pandemic, even to see their loved ones dying. For those who have been separated from their children or are unable to attend the funeral of a close friend or family member “The Canberra Times wrote,” and concluded: “Unfortunately, the rules are different when you’re a global sports superstar.”

Tournament boss Tiley tried to dispel exactly these allegations. The permit was granted after a strict review by two independent expert bodies. Djokovic made a “completely legitimate application” and went through the necessary process. At the same time, however, Tiley asked Djokovic to reveal the reasons.

“I would like him to speak to the community. I would appreciate getting answers,” Tiley said. 26 professionals or supervisors would have applied for an exemption, only a handful actually received it. “The medical exemption for Novak Djokovic to play the Australian Open is a sick hypocrisy,” wrote the British newspaper “The Herald Sun”. “His participation is an insult to any Australian who has gone through hell because of Covid.”