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Summary
- Novak Djokovic will play for Serbia in ATP Cup in Sydney
- Djokovic could entered Australia without vaccination
- Medical exemption should give him a way in
A few weeks ago, it looked like defending champion Novak Djokovic was going to miss playing the 2022 Australian Open. Australia made it clear that it will only allow international travellers who are double vaccinated to enter their borders.
Djokovic had earlier stated that he wasn’t very keen on taking the vaccination as there was many factors to consider.
Given that Australia were not allowing unvaccinated players into the country, it looked like the World Number 1 was going to miss the 2022 Australian Open.
9 News Australia
Djokovic To Represent Serbia In Sydney
When Serbia announced that Djokovic would represent them in Sydney in the ATP Cup, fans started wondering how it was going to be possible for Djokovic to enter Sydney and play for Serbia when he isn’t vaccinated.
Djokovic hasn’t confirmed if he has taken the vaccine so far and it appears highly unlikely given his stance. Australia has also made it clear that it will not change its stance and drop the mandate that allows only double vaccinated individuals into the country.
For Djokovic to play in Sydney, a compromise had to be made. The ATP Cup will take place in Sydney from Jan 1 to 9.
Medical Exemption Likely For Djokovic
The possible explanation that will allow Djokovic to take part in the ATP Cup in Sydney and later the Australian Open in Melbourne is a medical exemption. New South Wales (NSW) has the option to apply for a medical exemption on behalf of Djokovic and he will be able to enter NSW and quarantine for 14 days before being able to play at the ATP Cup.
Victoria has said in the past that it will not push for medical exemptions but it looks like an exception could be made for Djokovic. The Australian Open is set to start in Melbourne on Jan 17.
Djokovic hasn’t confirmed if he will play the 2022 Australian Open as he has stated in the past that he is not happy being in quarantine for 14 days and then coming in cold to play a major tennis tournament. However, it looks like he might have to deal with the quarantine if he wants to use the medical exemption to play in Australia.
