Before the Australian Open, tournament chief Craig Tiley confirmed that all the players participating in the competition must be vaccinated for the Grand Slam.
This piled more pressure on Novak Djokovic, who had refused to reveal if he has been jabbed.
Djokovic had repeatedly declined to reveal whether he has been vaccinated against COVID-19 which was necessary for his participation in the tournament.
When Nole landed in Australia he was detained. Then a long court procedure went on where he made an appeal for declining him entry into the island.
Djokovic won the court case and was allowed to participate in the Slam. Alex Hawke, the immigration minister used his personal “governmental powers” and deported Novak.
Craig Tiley On Novak Djokovic Saga
Craig Tiley said that he regrets the volatile situation which happened leading up to the tournament. He also said that Novak Djokovic Australian debacle will not define the 2022 Slam. The Serb was deported from Australia after two visa cancellations and court hearings.
Craig Tiley came under fire after Djokovic was allowed to play at the Australia Open with a medical exemption. The controversy over-shadowed the build up to the competition.
Craig said, “The one major challenge around the Djokovic situation doesn’t define everything that went on because 99.999% of everything was good.”
After Novak, Czech professional tennis player Renata Voracova was also detained in Australia after being given medical exemption. Due to numerous controversies, Craig Tiley announced that he has no intention of resigning and that preparations for 2023 have already begun.
“We have many plans for the future and I am ready to work for the long term. The Victorian Government has done a great job over the post 10 years.”
“We’ve had a billion dollar growth, so we’re steady thinking about our next goals. Or focus was on the tournament and the three weeks that accompanied the event.”
“We are already planning 2023. There will be a meeting next month and all parties will be busy. We have a lot of work to do to overcome what we have already achieved. Djokovic? We want to leave behind what happened and move on.”
Craig also added that, “Nobody is bigger than the event and everyone had to realise that. “