Tennis Australia boss expects a ‘negative reaction’ to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open
The boss of Tennis Australia says he expects there will be a “negative reaction” to Novak Djokovic playing in the Australian Open.
The world number one took to Instagram to reveal he has received an “exemption permission” and is travelling to Melbourne to play in the tournament.
It comes after months of speculation over his COVID-19 vaccination status and whether he would play in the tournament.
Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley says Djokovic “did what everyone else could do to come to Australia” and his exemption is “completely legitimate”.
“Every application was reviewed anonymously. No one knew whose application was received by who. They looked at it purely on the grounds that were set medically by the government,” he told Tony Jones, filling in for Neil Mitchell.
Mr Tiley says he expects “there will be a negative reaction, in my view, of Novak and his participation here”.
He says it’s “hard to say” if the world number one will be booed by crowds.
“We’re aware of others that have been granted an exemption and they’ve done it on legitimate medical grounds,” he said.
“If he’s gone through that process it’s fair. It’s the same for everyone.
“I would hope that the crowd would acknowledge that.
“I think we need to have certain respect for those people that have legitimate medical conditions.”
Press PLAY below to hear more about the exemption process
View this post on Instagram
Image: Sanjin Strukic/Pixsell/MB Media/Getty Images