Questions that still must be answered
HOW did Novak Djokovic apply for an exemption on time if he only tested positive on December 16?
ACCORDING to Tennis Australia documents, the deadline for applying for a medical exemption from vaccination to compete at the Australian open was December 10 — six days before Djokovic’s positive test result. The Serb was granted his exemption on December 30 and the only way he could have used his covid infection to get it was if the deadline was waived for him.
For what reason could he get an exemption without having Covid?
GIVEN Djokovic admitted in April 2020 he was ‘opposed to vaccination’ and had subsequently not been jabbed, he was always going to need an exemption to be allowed to defend his Australian open title without having to quarantine in a hotel for 14 days. Tennis Australia boss craig Tiley said last week that reasons for exemptions included previous adverse response to vaccines, recent major surgery or myocarditis or certified evidence of a covid infection in the previous six months. Had Djokovic not tested positive, it is unclear how he would have gained an exemption.
Why was he not isolating after his positive test result?
DJOKOVIC took a Pcr test at 1pm on December 16 and received his positive result seven hours later. In Serbia, you are legally required to isolate for 14 days after testing positive. However, on the day he was tested, Djokovic attended a panel discussion and a ceremony for the unveiling of a stamp in his honour in Belgrade, which he posted about on Twitter. The following day, he was photographed without a mask presenting trophies to young tennis players at the novak Tennis centre in Belgrade. on December 18, French newspaper L’Equipe claim he took part in their champion of champions awards photo shoot. All of these incidents appear to break Serbian law, for which he could be fined. Djokovic’s brother Djordje shut down yesterday’s press conference when asked about the world no 1’s movements in the days following his positive test. Adding to the intrigue is a Qr code on Djokovic’s positive test document. When scanned, it sometimes takes users to a website showing a negative result.
Will he even be allowed to play at the Australian Open?
DESPITE the court win yesterday, it is still unclear if he will definitely be in the draw for next week’s tournament. A spokesman for immigration minister Alex Hawke said he was considering using the discretionary powers he is given by Australia’s Migration Act to again revoke Djokovic’s visa.