All you need to know about Novak Djokovic’s medical exemption for the Australian Open

Ending months of speculation, Serbian World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has revealed he has received a medical exemption to play the Australian Open. While this has got mixed reactions on social media as Djokovic refuses to reveal his Covid-19 vaccination status, here’s what you need to know about the rule.

The Victorian government mandated that only fully vaccinated players — and fans and staff — would be allowed into Melbourne Park. Organisers of the Australian Open, which starts on January 17, had stipulated that all participants must be vaccinated against the coronavirus or have a medical exemption granted by an independent panel of experts.

The Australian authorities say players can get an exemption if they have an acute major medical condition. One wonders what ‘acute major medical condition’ could a healthy World No.1 athlete have? He will be continuously asked this question at press conferences for a considerable amount of time.

Djokovic is tied with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20 grand slam singles titles. The Australian Open has become his favourite, and if he defends his title at Melbourne, he’ll win his 10th Australian Open, but more importantly he’ll go past Federer and Nadal.