On Monday, the ATP responded to Novak Djokovic’s stunning victory over the Australian government in the visa battle, saying the debate over his vaccination status “has done damage on all fronts”. A Melbourne judge’s ruling overturned a decision to cancel Djokovic’s visa on grounds of Covid-19 health and ended the unvaccinated player’s detention at an immigration facility, which could open the door for his attendance to begin next Monday The game clears the way. The ATP, the governing body of men’s tennis, said it sympathised with Djokovic and the Australian public and stressed it had done everything it could to prevent players from entering Australia for potential problems at the Australian Open.
“The ATP fully respects the sacrifices made by the Australian people since the outbreak of COVID-19 and the stringent immigration policies that have been put in place,” the statement said.
As for the world number one, the ATP said: “On travel to Melbourne, it was clear Novak Djokovic believed he had obtained the necessary medical exemptions to comply with entry regulations.
“The chain of events leading up to Monday’s court hearing has wreaked havoc on every front, including Novak’s health and preparations for the Australian Open.”
“The medical waiver request is made independently of the ATP,” the agency said. “However, we have been in touch with Tennis Australia to seek clarity throughout this process.”
But the statement made clear that Djokovic could have avoided the problem.
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“The ATP continues to strongly recommend that all players on the ATP Tour get vaccinated, which we believe is critical to our sport’s response to the pandemic…We are encouraged that 97% of the top 100 players are All were vaccinated to get into this year’s Australian Open.”
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