Novak Djokovic: Australian Open Vaccine Exemption Ignites Backlash

Australians have reacted angrily to news that tennis player Novak Djokovic will play in the Australian Open, after he was exempted from vaccination rules.

All players and staff at the tournament must be vaccinated or have an exemption granted by an expert independent panel.

Organisers said the defending champion had not been given special treatment.

But Australians - some of whom still cannot travel interstate or globally - have criticised officials, politicians and Djokovic himself.

Over 90% of Australia's over-16 population is fully vaccinated.

Australian Open chief Craig Tiley said 26 athletes had applied for medical exemptions and "a handful" had been granted, under guidelines set by federal regulators.

- bbc.com