- Novak Djokovic has been named on the Australian Open entry list, even though his COVID vaccine status is unknown.
- Only vaxxed players are allowed at the tournament, unless they possess a medical exemption.
- Australian media reports suggest that Djokovic is seeking an exemption so he can play.
Australian Open officials have denied that Novak Djokovic could use a "loophole" to allow him to play in the tournament while not vaccinated against COVID-19.
Djokovic was featured on the tournament's entry list on Wednesday, and soon afterwards Australian newspaper The Herald Sun reported that the world number one is seeking an exemption on medical grounds to be allowed into the tournament.
The newspaper added that Djokovic's attempts to gain a medical exemption are backed by Tennis Australia, the governing body of the sport in the country. It added that tennis authorities are keen to have Djokovic, currently the biggest star in the sport, play.
It remains unclear what condition any medical exemption sought by Djokovic would relate to.
Tournament organizers have stated that no player will be allowed to compete if they are unvaccinated, unless in possession of a medical exemption from being vaxxed.
Soon after the news of Djokovic's inclusion on the Australian Open entry list, Tennis Australia seemingly denied that it is helping him find a loophole to play at the tournament.
"Any suggestion that Tennis Australia is seeking 'loopholes' within this process is simply untrue," it said in a statement released on Wednesday. The statement did not mention Djokovic by name.
"Adjudicating on medical exemptions is the domain of independent medical experts. We are not in a position to influence this process and nor would we.
"Any application for a medical exemption must follow strict government guidelines based on Atagi (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization) clinical advice.
"This is the same process that applies to any person wanting to enter Australia."
On the same day, Victoria's deputy premier James Merlino quashed rumors that Djokovic was exploiting a medical loophole.
"My view on this is really clear and really simple," Merlino said, as reported by the Guardian.
"Everyone's looking forward to the Australian Open and everyone who will attend — spectators, players, officials, staff — everyone is expected to be fully vaccinated."
"They're the rules. Medical exemptions are just that — it's not a loophole for privileged tennis players, it is a medical exemption in exceptional circumstances if you have an acute medical condition."
Djokovic himself has yet to publicly comment on his inclusion on the entry list for the Australian Open.