Google News Australian Open boss: Small percentage of players will play under medical exemption
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 3825
Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley has said that only a "very small percentage" of players will be granted a medical exemption for the opening Grand Slam of the season. Vaccination is mandatory for those who want to compete at Melbourne Park but the organizers are also willing to grant a medical exemption to those who come up with a strong explanation.
“The great thing is that everyone (coming to Melbourne Park) is vaccinated,” Tiley told reporters, per SEN. “Everyone who is coming in is vaccinated and there will be a small percentage – a very small percentage – that will have a medical exemption.
“If any player, fan (or) workforce is on site here, you’re either vaccinated or you have a medical exemption that’s approved and you’re on the Australian Immunisation Register. “That provides us with safety and an extra level of comfort on site”.
Djokovic's Australian Open participation remains a mistery
Victoria Sports Minister Martin Pakula made it clear Djokovic will have to be either fully vaccinated or come up with a good explanation for why he is not. "If Djokovic chooses not to be vaccinated and is not accepted in the expert committee, he will not play the Australian Open.
In order to enter the tournament, he must have a good excuse to explain the reason for their non-vaccination," Pakula said. Pakula slammed those who claim the Australian Open introduced the medical exemption process because of Djokovic.
"If people think that we have done this to try to give Djokovic a chance to play the tournament they are very wrong. Everyone who participates must be vaccinated or have a significant reason why they have not," Pakula added.
Pakula insisted it's not up to him or any other politication to determine whether or not Djokovic can play. "It is not up to me, or the Prime Minister, or any other politician to determine whether or not he can play the tournament. It will be assessed by a committee of experts," concluded Pakula.
