Hope for Novak Djokovic as few players to get medical exemption

Novak Djokovic

World No.1 Novak Djokovic might well be granted medical exemption to play in the Australian Open, beginning January 17, even though tournament director Craig Tiley did not shed light on any development with regard to the Serbian's participation on Wednesday.

Tiley confirmed on Wednesday that a very small percentage of players and officials would be granted medical exemption to enter Melbourne Park unvaccinated, raising hopes that Djokovic could compete in the opening major of the year without disclosing his COVID-19 vaccination status.

Change in stance

Earlier, the Australian Open organisers had said that no medical exemptions would be granted to players unless there was a genuine reason. But on Wednesday, Tiley conceded that some people would be given an exemption. "The great thing is that everyone [coming to Melbourne Park) is vaccinated," said Tiley. "Everyone who is coming in is vaccinated and there will be a small percentage that will have a medical exemption."

Meanwhile, Tiley said he was confident that Rafael Nadal will play in Melbourne despite testing positive for COVID-19.

‘Rafa can recover'

Tiley believes Nadal will be sufficiently recovered to chase his second Australian Open title in January. "I'm confident Rafa will be here. Players that are testing positive now will complete a period of time until they are no longer infectious and they'll be fine," said Tiley.

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