Novak Djokovic medical exemption saga exposes so many leadership failures in our governments

There’s a lot of blame to share around regarding Novak Djokovic’s medical exemption, but the political debacle proves the lack of leadership from our government, writes Sam Groth.

The below column was written 24 hours before Novak Djokovic had his visa denied and faced deportation.

Novak Djokovic being granted a medical exemption to play the Australian Open is a decision that spits in the face of every Victorian and Australian.

When I first saw it I can’t say I was surprised but for a guy that has said he will never disclose anything about his medical status, to come out and say he has the exemption was a brazen move.

Why not just say you’re coming to Australia and maintain the code of silence? You’re willing to say you have an exemption but not willing to say why? It’s sick hypocrisy. I don’t like it at all.

If he had gone silent, turned up and allowed people to make up their own mind I still wouldn’t be comfortable with it but at least he would have stuck to his guns.

He’s thrown everyone under the bus and has no obligation to disclose any more information. Just look at the shit storm he’s created. It’s disrespectful to everyone that has endured the hell of the last two years.

Novak Djokovic has been granted a medical exemption for the Aus Open

I’m writing this column at home in isolation having tested positive to Covid. I’m one of millions of Australians that has made an incredible sacrifice in the last two years. We have all been through lockdowns, restrictions, home schooling and made countless changes to our lives so don’t tell me that Djokovic is oblivious to what Australians have been through.

He was here last year lifting the trophy and paying tribute to what Victorians in particular had endured. He played in empty stadiums during the snap lockdown. His announcement on Tuesday was tone deaf. He should know better.

He is going to get destroyed every time he walks on court - and can you blame people?

The other thing I find astounding about Djokovic’s behaviour; here is a man who wants to start up a new player council and lead the tour. This guy wants to be a leader. It’s laughable.

None of his actions in the last two years have been those of a true leader. Not only has this been the toughest time in the world for so many but this has been the toughest time in the sport.

He’s all talk, no action and does what’s best for him. Funnily enough he and the Victorian government share a lot of qualities in that regard.

Both are throwing Craig Tiley and Tennis Australia under the bus.

Australian Open organisers were given protocols to adhere to and guidelines to follow – they have. They don’t make the rules about who comes into the country, they are dictated to by state government. But who fronted the media yesterday? Craig. Who is having to answer the tough questions? Craig.

Less than two months ago deputy premier James Merlino said no one unvaccinated is coming in and no special circumstances will be granted – well look how that turned out.

On Wednesday, as Covid case numbers hit new records and there’s talk of restrictions coming back in, where are our leaders? They’re all on holiday and their acting representatives are put on show.

We suffered through two years of endless press conferences, now we get a different person everyday. It’s the MO of the Andrews government to pass the buck and never take accountability.

On Wednesday Acting Minister for Sport and Major Events Jaala Pulford said the Djokovic decision “is what it is”. Well that’s not going to fly. That is no justification. Is that what they will say to people losing their jobs due to Covid or people missing family events, weddings and funerals?

There has been furious reaction to Djokovic being granted an exemption

“It is what it is.” How dare they?

The whole thing is a debacle.

In one breath they’re forcing legislation that means unvaccinated people can be sacked from their job and then we just let this guy in to play tennis.

It’s bullshit.

Djokovic and the Victorian government have a lot of questions to answer.

What is his medical issue?

Has he had Covid in the last six months (a legitimate exemption)? If so why not tell us, he did when he caught it in 2020.

Could he have had Covid in the last six months and played 33 matches? There’s a very small window for that to work.

If that’s not it, how can someone have won 20 grand slams and be one of the fittest athletes on the planet yet have an acute medical concern that has never been an issue before now?

It doesn’t sit right with me.

Even when I criticise him, I still think Djokovic is one of the greatest ever but with greatness comes expectation and he fails every time.

He is failing his peers and laughing in the face of Victorians.

Maybe he will come and do a press conference and tell us what we want to know, but based on his track record, I’m not holding my breath.

If you want to be the man to lead men’s tennis you have a duty to the sport to do the right thing. Djokovic could learn a lot from Tiley and the way he carries himself in a crisis. He’s the only person showing true leadership.

The Victorian government is telling us all to get vaccinated and now hiding behind the TA appointed panel that granted the exemption. That is not leadership.

Djokovic is hiding behind an exemption with no explanation. That is not leadership.

The leadership standards of the Victorian government and Novak Djokovic is a match made in heaven. It’s no surprise he’s coming to play.