Story at a glance
- Tennis star Rafael Nadal said Tuesday he feels “sorry” for Novak Djokovic but maintained the world’s No. 1 ranked player “knew the conditions” to enter the Australian Open.
- Australian prime minister Scott Morrison said Thursday that Djokovic “didn’t have a valid medical exemption” required when entering the country.
- Djokovic had previously said he received a medical exemption to participate in the tournament.
Rafael Nadal said Tuesday he feels “sorry” for fellow tennis star Novak Djokovic but maintained the world’s No. 1 ranked player, who has not said if he’s vaccinated against COVID-19, “knew the conditions” to enter the Australian Open prior to a visa snafu, which has left him in limbo until a hearing on Monday.
“He made his own decisions, and everybody is free to take their own decisions, but then there are some consequences,” Nadal told reporters, according to CNN, referring to Australia’s vaccine requirements to enter the country.
“Of course, I don’t like the situation that is happening. In some way, I feel sorry for him,” he continued. “But at the same time, he knew the conditions since a lot of months ago, so he makes his own decision.”
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Thursday that Djokovic, who has not said whether he is vaccinated against COVID-19, “didn’t have a valid medical exemption” required when entering the country.
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Djokovic had previously said he received a medical exemption to participate in the tournament, but officials rejected supporting documentation for the exemption, according to ESPN.
“The rule is very clear,” Morrison said. “You need to have a medical exemption. He didn’t have a valid medical exemption. We make the call at the border, and that’s where it’s enforced.”
Djokovic, whose visa was revoked upon his arrival, was transferred to a secure hotel where he will reportedly stay until a hearing scheduled for Monday.
The Serbian, who is the reigning Australian Open champion, is currently tied for the most men’s Grand Slam titles with Nadal and Roger Federer.
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