Written by It would be fantastic for professional tennis and for its promotion in Australia if Novak Djokovic plays in the Australian Open this year … but at what point should the very talented among us be permitted to breach or expect exemption from the mandates that the rest of us must follow?
Whether you maintain a supportive view about covid vaccination or not, Tennis Australia and Australian Open organisers have made it clear that all players participating in the tournament must be fully vaccinated.
Djokovic happily commented on Instagram that he’s enjoyed a lovely break with his loved ones and is heading to Australia with ‘exemption permission’. That seems to be greatly in doubt however, as he was refused entry at Melbourne airport on Wednesday. Federal Court Judge Anthony Kelly stated that there had been delays in reviewing Djokovic’s visa and that if the government’s decision is maintained, he will be deported after Monday.
Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic has weighed in on the situation by demanding Djokovic’s immediate release. Vucic stated on Instagram that Serbia stood united behind the tennis star and vowed to ensure that “…the harassment of the world’s best tennis player is brought to an end immediately”. He touted ‘truth and justice’ and the ‘norms of international law’ as the basis for his stance.
The sensitivities around Covid, the vaccines, and the government mandates have caused much, debate, argument, and protest, and citizens are essentially given the choice to make the decision for themselves. Ultimately the question in this case is does this man have more rights than anyone else? I have lost co-workers who have had to resign their position because they’ve opted not to have the vaccine – that is their choice and I respect them for that just as they respect me for mine. At what point however should we entertain someone ‘pulling rank’ and demanding it both ways?
This is a perfect example of the conditions defining the culture that is embedded within the sport, or in society in general. If ‘truth and justice’ are indeed appropriate in this argument, we must concede that anyone should be able to contravene the mandates as well as retain their livelihoods and lifestyles unabated.
A positive sports culture would support the athlete but not at the cost of the law of the land. A consistent and fair culture would not presume to put fame and skill above all else, humility and social responsibility are equally important as assets as sporting prowess is.
Djokovic’s fate is to be determined on Monday, should he be cleared to stay then tennis wins, but the president set in this case would nullify the purpose of having the law in the first place. The exemption apparently initially granted to Djokovic was a two-step medical exemption and details have not been released publicly. Renata Voracova had been granted the same medical exemption as Novak Djokovic and she has already had her visa cancelled by the Australian government.
If the Australian government’s decision is upheld athletes will need to choose between vaccination or banishment from the event or country if applicable.