No special treatment in Djokovic exemption, Australian officials say

Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, January 15, 2019. Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during the match against Mitchell Krueger of the U.S. REUTERS

Novak Djokovic did not receive any special treatment in getting an exemption from COVID-19 vaccination requirements to play at the Australian Open later this month, Tennis Australia and the Victorian state government said on Wednesday.

The world No. 1 announced on Tuesday he received an exemption to play in the Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne. Officials said he was one of a "handful" of successful applicants among 26 people who sought exemptions.