Leaked document proves Novak Djokovic situation was result of incorrect information shared by Tennis Australia
Follow Us
Novak Djokovic
In the latest turn of events, a leaked document has emerged which proves why Novak Djokovic is not at fault over the latest Australian Open 2022 fiasco. Tennis Australia has shared an incorrect message when it comes to communicating rules for granting medical exemption, which has left Novak Djokovic in all sorts of bother.
A sheet, which has been reported by NewsCorp, had been mailed to the ATP by Tennis Australia in December last year. It was passed on to all top players, which highlighted the fact that there was a two-step process to compete at the Australian Open 2022 for players who were unvaccinated.
The sheet states that a player who had contracted the virus in the last six months had to prove the same, and after careful investigation, the player would be granted a medical exemption. However, this clause had been withdrawn upon Djokovic’s arrival in Australia, which left Novak Djokovic and his team red-faced.
The information shared to the ATP was incorrect, and Tennis Australia were already aware of the same. According to the rules, an unvaccinated player needed overseas medical exemption in the first place, followed by a second exemption. The latter would be approved by an independent medical practitioner based in Australia.
Tennis Australia, the culprit behind Novak Djokovic saga
The document stated that a recent covid-19 infection after 31 July 2021, could be the basis for delayed vaccination. However, this clause was removed, and Tennis Australia had already been informed of the same.
“If you fall into this category, please provide laboratory PCR result from the first positive test, antibody levels if available and evidence of any previous or subsequent vaccinations if relevant,” the letter stated.
“The current ATAGI guidance for those who have had a recent COVID infection is to be vaccinated once you have recovered from the acute illness. It may also assist the independent panel if you can provide a letter from your doctor or public health authority as to why you have not received a full dose of an approved vaccination following COVID-19 infection,” the letter added.
The document also stated that the information contained was correct.
“As you are aware we have been urgently seeking clarification from Australian Federal and State public health authorities around the assessment of medical exemptions as they relate to the AO (Australian Open),” the document said. Specifically, we have sought urgent clarification in relation to: what will be accepted as proof of a valid medical exemption; and the position with respect to persons who have previously had Covid-19 in the past six months,” the statement added.
“We have now received further information and are in a position to expand on the advice we previously provided,” the statement concluded.
Novak Djokovic is still isolated in a hotel room, and talks of him taking the case to court have also surfaced. Will the Serbian be able to defend his Australian Open 2022 title?
Also Read: Novak Djokovic will play in Australian Open even if he loses the appeal
Stay Updated!
Nirmit Mehta
(2425 Articles Published)