‘Very interesting’: Tennis stars react to Novak Djokovic exemption saga

Novak Djokovic has been granted an exemption to play at this month’s Australian Open and now the tennis world has had its say.

Djokovic will travel to Melbourne to defend his title. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Bemused Australian pair Alex de Minaur and James Duckworth have left little to the imagination with their incredulous reaction to Novak Djokovic’s medical exemption.

As the tennis world and Australian public come to terms with the Djokovic news, players tended to be more measured a day after the revelation.

De Minaur and Duckworth were among the first to respond, along with British doubles specialist Jamie Murray, the brother of five-time Australian Open finalist Andy.

After Duckworth offered a figurative straight bat – while still hinting at some scepticism about the decision – Australia’s No.1 men’s player, de Minaur, made it clear he was surprised.

“That’s very politically correct of you,” de Minaur said with a grin to Duckworth.

“Look, I just think it’s very interesting – that’s all I’m going to say. But, hey, it is what it is.

“I just hope that the other players – I heard there were other cases as well (who) got exemptions – all fit the criteria.”

Watch Tennis Live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. Live Coverage of ATP + WTA Tour Tournaments including Every Finals Match. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial >

Murray was even more to the point, suggesting he wouldn’t have been as successful if he swapped places with world No.1 Djokovic.

“But well done to him for getting clear to come to Australia and compete,” Murray said.

Djokovic won three grand slam titles in 2021. (Photo by William WEST / AFP)

The response elsewhere on Wednesday was more mixed, with Argentine star Diego Schwartzman electing to dodge the question and leave the debate to others.

“I think already the press and everyone is talking about it, so I don’t think the players (need to) – we already spoke in the locker room,” Schwartzman said.

“Maybe the press is going to be in the locker room, for sure, in the next few weeks, but I think we don’t have to say nothing.”

Australian great Sam Stosur tried to distance Tennis Australia and the sport itself from the issue, saying people needed to realise it was a government-level call.

“I don’t have any idea what the exemption’s for (but) I don’t think it comes down to the tennis circles and the Australian Open deciding those,” Stosur said.

“It’s the government, so whatever application’s been sent in, they’ve obviously given it the OK.

“But it’s a pretty heated topic at the moment and, hopefully, it’s all fine in the long run.”

Djokovic’s exemption has sparked plenty of reaction from the tennis world. (Photo by David Gray / AFP)

Jordan Thompson, one of six Australian men in the top 100, said he was pleased that Djokovic could play in the event.

“I know we’re big on vaccination in Australia (but) I think it should be the choice of the person whether they want to get the vaccination,” Thompson said.

“I can see why people are upset but it’s a difficult one. Honestly, I don’t really give a s---.

“I just think people should have their say on if they want to get vaccinated or not. I just worry about myself … It’s up to him whether he gets it or not.”