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Victorian Minister slams door shut on Novak Djokovic’s potential Australian Open ‘loophole’

Alex Conrad and Marc McGowanNCA NewsWire
James Merlino maintained no unvaccinated players or staff would be allowed to participate in or work at the Australian Open. Andrew Henshaw / NCA NewsWire
Camera IconJames Merlino maintained no unvaccinated players or staff would be allowed to participate in or work at the Australian Open. Andrew Henshaw / NCA NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia

If Novak Djokovic thought his participation in the ATP Cup in Sydney would provide a “loophole” to defending his Australian Open crown, he can think again.

Victorian Deputy Premier and Education Minister James Merlino was quick to shoot down any talk of the Serbian star competing in the Australian Open should he be unvaccinated.

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Djokovic was named in Serbia’s squad to compete in the ATP Cup in Sydney, which has given fresh hope that he would contend for his 10th Australian Open title.

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However, his involvement in the ATP Cup sparked theories it would be used as some sort of way to get around the rules in place for players competing in the Australian Open.

The 34-year-old would put an end to the mystery once and for all if he takes to the court at Melbourne Park, as all players competing must be fully vaccinated.

Merlino’s stance on unvaccinated players was simple and unwavering.

“Everyone’s looking forward to the Australian Open and everyone who will attend – spectators, players, officials, staff – is expected to be fully vaccinated,” Merlino said.

“They’re the rules.

PANDEMIC BILL
Camera IconJames Merlino maintained no unvaccinated players or staff would be allowed to participate in or work at the Australian Open. Andrew Henshaw / NCA NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia

“Medical exemptions are just that – it’s not a loophole for privileged tennis players.

“It is a medical exemption in exceptional circumstances if you have an acute medical condition.

Tennis Australia also released a statement on the matter, declaring medical exemptions would have to follow “strict government guidelines”.

“All players, participants and staff at the Australian Open have to be vaccinated,” the statement read.

“Any application for a medical exemption must follow strict government guidelines based on ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) clinical advice.

“This is the same process that applies to any person wanting to enter Australia.

“Any suggestion that Tennis Australia is seeking ‘loopholes’ within this process is simply untrue.

“Adjudicating on medical exemptions is the domain of independent medical experts.

“We are not in a position to influence this process and nor should we.

“The safety of everyone is always our priority as we plan for Australian Open 2022 and all lead-in events.”

Djokovic named to compete at ATP Cup in Sydney in January

World No.1 Novak Djokovic is among the players committed to compete at the ATP Cup in Sydney in January, as mystery about his Australian Open plans continues.

Djokovic’s presence ensures 2020 champion Serbia is the No.1 seed for the annual event, which is being held from January 1 to 9 and offers more than $14m prizemoney across the 16 countries.

Eighteen of the world’s top-20 men’s players are set to contest the third instalment of the ATP Cup.

Djokovic has repeatedly refused to reveal his vaccination status, with all players travelling to Melbourne for the Australian Open needing to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

The 20-time grand slam title winner is yet to announce whether he will try to win a 10th title at Melbourne Park and move into the outright lead for overall grand slam championships.

But Djokovic committing to the ATP Cup is the strongest indication so far that the Australian Open is on his agenda.

The competing ATP Cup nations are split into four groups, with Australia facing a nightmare task to reach the semi-finals after being drawn against defending champion Russia, Italy and Austria.

Only the winner from each of the groups will progress and Australia’s round-robin path shapes as the toughest.

Australia’s top-ranked player, Alex de Minaur, will need to negotiate top-10 opposition in each of his singles matches against Daniil Medvedev, Matteo Berretini and Dominic Thiem in group B.

James Duckworth, who broke into the top 50 for the first time this year, will be the host nation’s No.2 singles player, while John Peers, Luke Saville and Max Purcell are the doubles options.

Every country can field a squad of up to five players, with the two singles matches being played first, before a doubles rubber to round out each tie.

Originally published as Victorian Minister slams door shut on Novak Djokovic’s potential Australian Open ‘loophole’

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