Jamie Murray gives frank reply to question about Novak Djokovic’s medical exemption

Australian Open
A smiling Novak Djokovic lifts the Australian Open trophy

Jamie Murray insinuated there was one rule for some players and another rule for the big stars after Novak Djokovic was handed a medical exemption to compete at the Australian Open.

After weeks of speculation, 20-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic announced that he would play at Melbourne Park in a fortnight after being cleared to play by Tennis Australia following “rigorous review process”.

The move comes after tournament organisers initially said only players who have been inoculated against Covid-19 would take part in the season-opening Grand Slam.

But the goalposts shifted when Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley revealed that those with medical exemptions will be allowed to compete and it was no surprise when Djokovic announced on Tuesday that he would be flying to Australia.

Comment – Novak Djokovic walking into a storm after controversial Australian Open exemption

Seven-times Grand Slam doubles champion Murray was asked about the decision after Great Britain’s ATP Cup defeat at the hands of Canada and replied: “I mean, I don’t know what to say about that really… I think if it was me that wasn’t vaccinated I wouldn’t be getting an exemption.

“But well done to him for getting clear to come to Australia and compete.”

Jamie Murray Novak Djokovic

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