The Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, says Novak Djokovic “must provide acceptable proof that he cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons” after being given an exemption to compete in Melbourne.
“If that evidence is insufficient, then he won’t be treated any different to anyone else and will be on the next plane home – there should be no special rules for Novak Djokovic,” Morrison said in Canberra.
The decision to grant Djokovic an exemption from Covid-19 vaccination requirements to play in the Australian Open has been labelled “appalling”, with some players expressing surprise at the late decision.
All Australian Open participants must either be fully vaccinated or apply for and secure a medical exemption in order to enter Victoria without undertaking the mandatory 14-day quarantine.
