Australian Open: Uproar over exemption granted Djokovic

AUSTRALIA – There is an uproar in Australia following decision of organizers of the Australian Open to  grant vaccination exemption to World No.1 tennis player, Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic made the announcement in his New Year message ahead of the opening game  scheduled for January 17.

‘Happy New Year, everybody! Wishing you all health, love, and happiness in every present moment and may you feel love & 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 an exemption permission. Let’s go 2022 !!’, he announced.

His announcement sparked public debate following his earlier statement that he does not believe in vaccination against the ravaging COVID19 pandemic and that he does not want to be forced to take vaccination.

Australians are saying that exemption is making some people more equal than others.

Novak Djokovic has not recanted on his apathy to vaccination.  However, the organizers of the Australian Open had said that only vaccinated athletes would be given admission to the park but that some would be granted exemption, based on documented evident of adverse reaction to  vaccines and Coronavirus survivors.