Novak Djokovic

In my opinion he shouldn't be allowed into Australia. It's not fair for him to be exempt. He has some weird views which he's entitled to have if he likes, but he has to understand cause and effect.

He’s a bad sportsman anyway and an anti vaxxer.the Australian PM has now stepped in.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-59876203

He's been quoted as saying he's ready to "live and breathe tennis". It's the breathing that's the problem

He shouldn't be allowed to compete IMO. Was it last year that he organised a tournament and some of those attending had/caught Covid?

Like many on GN, we have a son in Aus who we haven't been able to see for more than 2 years. Double jabbed and had the booster, we've no idea when we'll be able to see him again.

A fully vaccinated young womanI know went back to Australia recently after coming back here (uk) as her father died . On return she had to isolate for 14 days at some expense.
I more than understand why people think there are different rules for different people because there clearly are

He should stay at home - silly arrogant man.

If I lived in Australia I’d be furious given the rules under which Australians have been living under for months and months.

I would too Whitewavemark and it may be the backlash if he is allowed in that will prevent him from doing so.

Novaxx Djokovic...

How much did that "independent" medical certificate cost??

If it was supposed to be a transparent decision, why not publish the actual condition so that other medical expert can confirm the exemption. It is just about money.

If Novak was vaccinated, he would not need an exemption so stop the pretense. Novak is a great player, but he is so obnoxious. I dont watch him if I can avoid it. His sponsors should drop him

Smileless2012

He shouldn't be allowed to compete IMO. Was it last year that he organised a tournament and some of those attending had/caught Covid?

Like many on GN, we have a son in Aus who we haven't been able to see for more than 2 years. Double jabbed and had the booster, we've no idea when we'll be able to see him again.

I’m planning to visit my son in March. He’s now an Aussie citizen so I’m allowed.

I agree Novak should nit be exempt, bad example. Etc.

Nit = not. Can’t type - I blame Covid !

You can use that excuse for ages Lucca, call it long covid!?

Had always been a Djokovic fan but now no more.
I've read as much as I could find yesterday and today, I have plenty to say (well, usually, think) about people who jump on first allegations, but, alas, I find myself still angry.

Of course it's possible that someone who said publicly last April that he was opposed to vaccination should now be found to have a medical exemption, and No, none of us should feel compelled to disclose our health conditions to the general public, but it doesn't sit well with me.

Nor with me. I’m no medic but it seems strange in a man as fit as he is, no apparent medical conditions.

Another thread on which we all appear to agree. Not surprisingly given the circumstances. This man should absolutely not be allowed to flout the rules. A world class sportsman who has a medical condition that prevents him from having the vaccine that he has previously criticised. I don’t think so! All the people who have been separated from their loved ones for years, and then this happens. Disgraceful!

Smileless2012

He shouldn't be allowed to compete IMO. Was it last year that he organised a tournament and some of those attending had/caught Covid?

Like many on GN, we have a son in Aus who we haven't been able to see for more than 2 years. Double jabbed and had the booster, we've no idea when we'll be able to see him again.

Yes, it was.

This doesn’t sit well at all. He’s been vocal in his opposition to vaccine mandates and now he’s been granted an exemption ?! I don’t advocate that the public is entitled to know the intimate details of someone’s medical condition, but surely some detail could be disclosed. There’s been speculation that he’s recently had Covid, which I think would be an acceptable reason for exemption, but why stay silent about it ? I believe the government has now stepped in and said that they will make the final decision, based on scrutiny of his exemption. So, not so cut and dried after all.

Australia definitely shouldn't make an exception for him.
It isn’t only his anti vaccine stance that is annoying but also the fact that like it loathe him ( loathe him myself) he has many fans and isn't a good role model.

I’ve never liked him. He has such natural talent but still uses gamesmanship whenever he can.

Medical exemption? For a top sportsman?
It just doesn’t add up does it?
He’s made his feelings known about vaccines, so I do wish the authorities had stuck to the rules

Lots of other players are, understandably annoyed at the decision.

I am not a fan of his but I would feel the same whoever it was.

Sparklefizz

In my opinion he shouldn't be allowed into Australia. It's not fair for him to be exempt. He has some weird views which he's entitled to have if he likes, but he has to understand cause and effect.

Absolutely agree Sparklefizz Australians can't even move between states can they

He has total disregard for anyone except himself. He hosted a tennis tournament last year, I believe, against all advice, where several people caught Covid. I notice there are some GN's on here who have family in Australia who they haven't been able to see for so long. Would any of them be granted this exemption? Not on your life.

whatever you may think, it seems as though the process was fair. www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/djokovic-will-defend-australian-open-title-after-exemption-vaccination-2022-01-04/

What’s so special about him ?