Djokovic decision shows the Covid joke-er is on us

As a long suffering Victorian, on reading The Australian on Wednesday morning I thought I had been teleported overnight to Queensland with the headline advising multi-millionaire world number one tennis player Novak Djokovic had been granted entry to the Australian Open (“Game, set and match to Djokovic as he clears vaccination hurdle in chase for 10th title”, 5/1).

This whole saga is on the nose and highlights, either rightly or wrongly, that fame and fortune will get you exemptions to any situation while the common taxpayer is subject to the published rules.

What made this situation worse was that Djokovic publicly declared he was not going to declare his vaccination status. For the thousands of tennis fans, try getting into the Australian Open venues without showing your vaccination certificate.

Daniel Andrews, where the bloody hell are you?

Tom Moylan, Melbourne, Vic

Tennis is my favourite sport. You don’t have to be proficient to have a hit. For around the cost of a few cups of coffee, you can rent a court and have a bash. So, unlike golf, skiing and team sports, tennis is egalitarian.

I read the article about Novak Djokovic granted an exemption to play in the Australian Open but nowhere in it could I find the actual reason for the vaccine exemption. Surely it is not because he is a drawcard that would ensure the financial success of a tournament in which prizemoney has become obscene?

Clearly, Tennis Australia and Victoria’s Sports Minister have confirmed the Orwellian view that “All animals are equal but some are more equal than others”.

John Kempler, Rose Bay, NSW

Novak Djokovic has shown long-suffering Victorians that the joke is on us. What possible serious medical condition could super-fit Djokovic have that qualifies him for a medical exemption? None.

While citizens lose their jobs and are demonised for noncompliance with draconian Andrews Government vaccine edicts, others skate through untouched. Small business has been struggling to enforce QR code compliance, on threat of massive fines, while big money tennis talks.

The vaccine mandate and QR code system is now redundant and must be removed immediately, or the Andrews Government will lose whatever credibility it still has.

And all those who cried out for vaccine mandates must boycott all Djokovic’s matches, or forever be known as hypocrites.

Wayne Alexander, Eltham, Vic

An international non-vaccinated tennis player has permission to enter Australia to earn more accolades and huge money. Numerous Australian citizens have been denied visits to dying loved ones and many have lost their jobs (and income) because of border restrictions and vaccination requirements.

This clearly questions the two-tiered system of rules and it is totally abhorrent and an insult to Australians who have ensured we’ve followed the advice of our health experts and are continuing to obey the common courtesy and care for our own people.

Anne Lindsay, Stanthorpe, Qld

How sad that Novak Djokovic won’t be remembered for his athletic prowess if he wins the Australian Open this year. But rather, he will not be forgotten or forgiven for his rorting of the system.

Annette Craig, Mollymook, NSW

Tennis Australia needs to come clean about its expert medical panels when it comes to granting exemptions to prominent tennis players. The decision making process needs to be explained if government authorities want to maintain the trust and confidence of the broader Australian public which is becoming somewhat cynical about different sets of rules for different classes of people.

It is fair to ask TA what proportion of applications were granted as opposed to how many were declined. If indeed the country needs a series of expert panels to process applications then perhaps it would be better if applicants were randomly assigned to these panels to truly keep decision making blind as to the nature of the applicant.

The idea that TA can set up its own panels to run its key players through them simply doesn’t engender confidence – it is a matter of perception.

Joanna Wriedt, Eaglemont, Vic