Exception for Djokovic? It’s not just Australians who are angry, the country is reporting a record number of infections

On Tuesday, Novak Djokovic announced on social media that he will appear at the Australian Open without the coronavirus vaccination, where he will not only defend his title but also attack the record for the most Grand Slam trophies. The exception for the world number one has raised a huge wave of discontent.

For the third day in a row, Australia has recorded a record increase in new coronavirus infections. The epidemic is spiralling out of control and hospitals and testing centres are busy.

According to Reuters, citizens there are concerned and outraged at the attitude of the authorities. The discontent has been going on for some time, with long queues at testing centres and a shortage of antigen tests.

Then on Tuesday, when it emerged that Novak Djokovic had been granted an exemption from the vaccination and could therefore take part in the upcoming Australian Open, the cup of patience for many Australians ran over.

On Tuesday, Australian authorities recorded a record 64,774 new cases of coronavirus. The number is expected to rise even higher in the coming weeks.

So the concern and anger of Australians is well founded. After all, in Australia, 90% of the population over the age of 16 have had at least two doses of the vaccine. Similarly, the ATP has assured that 95 of the top 100 tennis players in the world rankings have been vaccinated.

Moreover, until recently, the Australian Open management claimed that without vaccination it would be impossible to participate in the first Grand Slam of this season.

In addition to the Australian population, various athletes, doctors and legislators have also been critical of the exemption granted to the world’s number one tennis player.

“I don’t care how good the tennis player is. If he refuses to be vaccinated, he should not be allowed into the country. It’s aterrible message to millions of Australians,” Stephen Parnis, a doctor and former vice-president of the Australian Medical Association, said on Twitter.

It’s also worth noting that Australia had some of the toughest lockdowns ever in the world.

Jamie Murray, brother of Andy Murray, the former world number one, said Djokovic received special treatment. He’s not the only one who shares a similar view. He also claims that he would never get a similar exemption, like many other athletes.

However, Tennis Australia and the Victorian government say Djokovic did not receive any special treatment, his application was assessed by medical experts.

Sources: BBC, Reuters, Fox Sports