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Novak Djokovic has been included in the official entry list for the 2022 Australian Open, with Tennis Australia adamant that no loopholes are being explored.
The world number one, who has won nine of his 20 grand slam titles in Melbourne, has not yet disclosed his COVID-19 vaccination status, meaning there is doubt over whether he will be able to participate.
Every person competing or attending the grand slam next month will need to have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus.
However, despite the uncertainty, the 34-year-old was named in the official list of players for the tournament draw.
Djokovic had already been named in Serbia’s team for the ATP Cup, which is to be held in Sydney, leading to speculation that he could enter Australia by travelling directly to New South Wales, which has different COVID-19 restrictions to the state of Victoria, and may then seek a medical exemption to get around the rules applying to unvaccinated travellers.
James Merlino, Victoria’s deputy premier, responded to these reports, which also suggested Djokovic had the backing of Tennis Australia.
“My view on this is really clear and really simple,” Merlino said on Wednesday. “Everyone’s looking forward to the Australian Open and everyone who will attend – spectators, players, officials, staff – everyone is expected to be fully vaccinated.
“They’re the rules. Medical exemptions are just that – it’s not a loophole for privileged tennis players. It is a medical exemption in exceptional circumstances if you have an acute medical condition.”
Tennis Australia responded to Merlino’s comments with a statement of their own.
“Any suggestion that Tennis Australia is seeking ‘loopholes’ within this process is simply untrue. Adjudicating on medical exemptions is the domain of independent medical experts. We are not in a position to influence this process and nor would we,” the statement read.
“Any application for a medical exemption must follow strict government guidelines based on ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) clinical advice. This is the same process that applies to any person wanting to enter Australia.”
While Djokovic’s participation is unclear, Serena Williams is a big-name absentee. The 40-year-old, who is one shy of matching Margaret Court’s record tally of 23 grand slams, had been expected to play in Melbourne.
Roger Federer had already confirmed his absence, but Rafael Nadal is set to compete for the first time since August.
World number two and US Open champion Daniil Medvedev takes his place in the draw, as does 2020 Australian Open finalist Dominic Thiem.
Australian world number one Ash Barty headlines the women’s field, with Naomi Osaka, US Open winner Emma Raducanu and WTA Finals champion Garbine Muguruza also in the draw.
Bianca Andreescu, the 2019 US Open champion, has decided to skip the event to focus on her mental wellbeing.
