Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley has revealed world number one Novak Djokovic did not receive special treatment when he was granted a medical exemption to play in the Australian Open in Melbourne this month.
Speaking on Wednesday morning, Tiley outlined the process that will see the Serbian athlete soon arrive in Australia, and said the tennis superstar's application was reviewed and approved anonymously by two independent medical bodies.
'Novak applied for a medical exemption which was granted by a panel of experts,' he said.
'Professional players do not have to reveal their personal or medical information... the grounds are the same for everyone.
'They were given the opportunity to be added to the Australian Immunisation Register which sees (some) people exempt from vaccines if approved by a panel.
Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley has confirmed world number one Novak Djokovic (pictured) will play at the Australian Open in Melbourne this month - after the tennis superstar was controversially granted a medical exemption
The reaction from tennis fans to Novak Djokovic playing at the Australian Open despite his clouded vaccination status will be a major talking point
The Serbian world No 1 has packed his bags and will take part in the January 17 tournament - revealing the move to fans on social media (pictured)
'As an organisation, we (Tennis Australia) abided by the conditions and the decision was left in the hands of medical experts.
'A total of 26 athletes applied for the same exemption - and (only) a handful were granted.'
While the identity of those other players or coaching staff was not revealed, Tiley was quick to point out no 'special favours' were granted to Djokovic.
'We told players as far back as six months ago getting vaccinated would ensure they could arrive and then play in Australia,' he added.
'It is up to Novak whether he wants to disclose his medical status and personal information.'
Speaking on 3AW, Tiley confirmed there was no special treatment given and said Djokovic 'did what everyone else could do to come to Australia'.
'Every application was reviewed anonymously. No one knew whose application was received by who. They looked at it purely on the grounds that were set medically by the government,' he said.
Djokovic's successful exemption followed a review process involving two independent panels of medical experts — the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and the Independent Medical Exemption Review Panel appointed by the Victorian Department of Health.
His application was approved after Djokovic also confirmed he has not tested positive for Covid-19 in the past six months.
Djokovic's vaccination status remains unknown - but in April 2020, the 34-year-old said he was opposed to mandatory jabs.
'Personally I am not pro-vaccines,' he said at the time. 'I would not like it for someone to compel me to be vaccinated so I can travel.'
The 34-year-old, who is gunning for an 10th grand slam in Melbourne, confirmed on
