Djokovic handed Australian Open exemption only after 'rigorous review process" clarifies Tennis Australia in a statement

Anticipating backlash after Novak Djokovic announced he was given a medical exemption for the Australian Open, Tennis Australia put out a statement clarifying how he got it.

Novak Djokovic will play at the 2022 Australian Open despite not complying with the official rules for entering the country. Djokovic is most likely unvaccinated but he will be able to play at the event after getting a medical exemption. The reasons for awarding a medical exemption are disclosed publicly by the event so many wondered on what ground did Djokovic get an exemption considering he is a fairly healthy person.

Anticipating backlash over the decision, Tennis Australia put out a statemenet claryfying:

“Djokovic applied for a medical exemption which was granted following a rigorous review process involving two separate independent panels of medical experts. One of those was the Independent Medical Exemption Review Panel appointed by the Victorian Department of Health. They assessed all applications to see if they met the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation guidelines.”

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Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said “fair and independent protocols were established for assessing medical exemption applications that will enable us to ensure Australian Open 2022 is safe and enjoyable for everyone. Central to this process was that the decisions were made by independent medical experts and that every applicant was given due consideration."

Apparently Djokovic met the standards for the exemption and was given one. Hence why he will take part in the event without being vaccinated.