The gigantic confusion continues. On Thursday, one of the best tennis players in history arrived in Melbourne. When going on a trip, he informed in his social media: “I have a fantastic time with my relatives, and today I’m going on a trip to Australia. With a special permit.” The Serb hinted that he would play on January 17, despite the fact that he did not accept the covid vaccine, which is a requirement for all tennis players.
The Australians immediately issued a statement: “Djoković applied for a sick leave, which was granted after a rigorous health review process involving two separate independent panels of medical experts.”
But as the tennis champion was on his way to Melbourne, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said: “Djoković must prove he has a real medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccination when he lands or returns home on the next plane.”
Indeed, the Serb was detained at the airport by customs. He was questioned and ordered to provide evidence that gave him a sick leave from vaccination (this can be obtained if the first dose has caused a “serious adverse event”, if you have had inflammatory heart disease in the last six months, or if you are pregnant) .
Had it not been for the intervention of Djokovic’s lawyers, he would have been deported. Thanks to their work, the Serb ended up in a hotel where more than 30 refugees seeking asylum in Australia are staying.
There, the winner of 20 Grand Slam tournaments is waiting for a court decision, which will probably not be taken until Monday, January 10.
“It doesn’t matter if you are the world number 1 or the president of the USA.”
– This is terrible. And from a sports point of view, because you are not able to exercise or play tennis because of the closure, and so humanly, because you are constantly thinking about what is going to happen. It will be three long days for Novak Djokovic, he says sympathetically. But in general there is no sympathy in her opinions for the nine-time Australian Open champion.
– On the courts, all players and all coaches talk about it. Televisions talk about it, the whole of Australia is discussing it – says a resident of this country.
A former tennis player from Austria who is currently working at the tournament in Adelaide. Among other things, he conducts interviews there. We could see her, for example, in an interview with the second round of the WTA 500 tournament.
– I’m not surprised that they all live with the Djokovic situation. And I’m not surprised that the border authorities were so strict on him – says Schett. – We all know here in Australia that whenever you enter the country, they check your visa and whether you have completed everything correctly. If not, they won’t let you in. And it doesn’t matter if you are the world’s number 1 tennis player or the president of the United States, the rules in Australia apply to everyone. I am really not surprised that he was not treated differently – explains the former tennis player.
270 days of lockdown. “You couldn’t even go to the funeral”
Well-known to the Australian reality, Schett emphasizes that this country takes the coronavirus pandemic very seriously. – About 92 percent are vaccinated. Australian residents. People have gone through a very difficult time here. Especially in Victoria [to w tym stanie, w Melbourne, rozgrywany jest Australian Open]where there was lockdown for 270 days, says the Austrian. – During all this time, everyone was allowed to leave the house for just one hour each day to exercise. You can imagine what 270 such days have done to people. Everyone wanted to get vaccinated and live in freedom – says Schett.
And he adds: It was impossible to travel from one state to another. You couldn’t even go to the funeral when someone in your family died in another state.
“The other tennis players are angry”
Schett explains that an understandable response to Djokovic’s case is anger. – We do not know exactly what his sick leave from vaccination is. We know he’s not vaccinated, and we don’t know why. It has long been known that tennis players who want to play at the Australian Open need to be vaccinated, so there is no understanding among Australians for someone who wants to come here without getting vaccinated. I also see that tennis players who do the right thing are angry that there is one person who does not follow the rules, explains Schett.
Rafael Nadal as spokesman. “He has known the rules for months”
It was in this tone that he spoke about the situation of Djoković. – If he wanted to, he could play in the Australian Open without any problems. I feel sorry for him, but on the other hand, he has known the rules for months. He made a decision and must face the consequences – assessed the Spaniard. One of Djokovic’s great rivals added that he himself took two doses of the vaccine because he trusts science and believes that he should get vaccinated.
– Like Rafa thinks many players. At the moment, the positive thoughts sent towards Novak are unlikely to be seen, Schett notes.
Either prohibition or whistles
And it can only get worse. If the court decides on Monday that Djoković should be allowed to play for Melbourne after all. “If Novak shows up at Rod Laver Arena, he may hear a lot of whistling and humming,” Schett predicts.
Source: Sport
Tristin is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
