Novak Djokovic confirms Australian Open participation after receiving medical exemption

After a lot of speculation, the World no.1 Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he will take part in the upcoming Australian Open. Djokovic has received a medical exemption from the Covid-19 vaccination and he is all set to defend his title in Australia.

The Serbian had earlier refused to reveal his vaccination status and thus had raised doubts about his participation in the Happy Slam. The Organisers had earlier stated that it will be mandatory for the players to be inoculated to take part in the tournament or they should carry a medical exemption with them.

“Happy New Year, everybody!” Djokovic captioned a post on his Instagram. “Wishing you all health, love, and happiness in every present moment, and may you feel love and respect towards all beings on this wonderful planet.

“I’ve spent fantastic quality time with my loved ones over the break and today I’m heading Down Under with exemption permission. Let’s go 2022!”

“I’m ready to live and breathe tennis in the next few weeks of competition. Thanks everyone for the support,” the nine-time Australian Open champion added in his post.

The Australian Open organizers also released a statement confirming Djokovic’s participation in the upcoming tournament.

“Djokovic applied for a medical exemption which was granted following a rigorous review process involving two separate independent panels of medical experts,” the statement said.

“One of those was the Independent Medical Exemption Review Panel appointed by the Victorian Department of Health. They assessed all applications to see if they met the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation guidelines.”

Meanwhile, Djokovic had earlier pulled out of Serbia’s team in ATP Cup, which had raised doubts about his participation in the Australian Open.

The Australian Open will begin on January 17.