Novak Djokovic: Tennis champion’s Australian Open dreams dashed

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has shut down the PM’s suggestion that unvaccinated tennis players could apply for an exemption.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic applauds the crowd after losing to Russia's Daniil Medvedev during their 2021 US Open Tennis tournament men's final match. Picture: AFP

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has dashed tennis champion Novak Djokovic’s chances of competing in the Australian Open.

Mr Andrews swiftly slammed the door shut on any possibility unvaccinated tennis players could compete in the grand slam amid days of confusion about arrangements for athletes who chose not to be inoculated.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Andrew Henshaw

He declared the state government would not allow any exemptions for any player while vaccine mandates will be in place for spectators and staff.

“The state of Victoria will not be applying for any exemptions for unvaccinated players,” Mr Andrews said.

“If we don’t apply for an exemption then no exemption will be granted and then the whole issue is basically resolved,” he said.

“I’m not very willing to say to people that they can’t go to the pub tonight unless they are double-vaxxed, but certain high profile people who choose not to be vaccinated — I’m not going to be facilitating them coming here.”

Novak Djokovic unlikely to play in the Australian Open. Picture: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Mr Andrews accused Scott Morrison’s government doing a “complete 180” on the issue after the Prime Minister said unvaccinated skilled workers could apply for an exemption to enter the country — including tennis stars. Last week, immigration Minister Alex Hawke last week said they could not.

Asked if unvaccinated players would be allowed into the country, the prime minister said: “Yes if they apply for that exemption just like a skilled worker coming in to have to do a particular job.”

“Those exemptions can be granted but then when they come in they can be governed by the rules of what the state public health orders,” he told 3AW radio.

“The blanket rule is no, but there is a pathway for people to do that for those economic activities.”

Mr Morrison said the players would need to quarantine for two weeks and authorities needed “to be a little bit flexible so we can live with the virus”.

“If there is a special exemption that is warranted for an economic reason like that, that can happen but you have to follow the health rules in that state. Two weeks of quarantine for unvaccinated people, that is sensible,” he told Nine’s Today Show.

“As we go forward I think we just have to be sensible and practical, OK? We want major events in this country, a lot of jobs depend on it.”

A leaked email to Women’s Tennis Association players last week suggested those who were unvaccinated would be allowed to compete after completing 14 days of hotel quarantine, casting doubt about the final rules.

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has refused to reveal his vaccination status because it is a “private matter.” Unless the Melbourne Park crowd favourite changes his position, it is unlikely he will contest his 10th Australian Open title.

Tennis Australia said they were still working with the Victorian and federal governments “on the conditions for players at Australian Open 2022” with details to be confirmed soon.

Major Australian Open sponsor Kia backed mandatory vaccines for players.

Asked if the car manufacturer had a position on mandatory vaccination, Kia Australia chief operating officer Damien Meredith said: “On health advice and government direction, the implementation of double vaccination is paramount.

“Tennis Australia has an excellent relationship with all levels of government and Kia believes there will be a suitable outcome in regard to all involved during the Australian Open.”

Other major sponsors including Rolex and Emirates declined to comment. Other partners including the Chinese whiskey brand Luzhou Loajiao and champagne brand Piper-Heidsieck did not respond to a request for comment.