Tiley confirms “very small percentage” of Aus Open players and staff to receive vaccine exemption

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley has confirmed a “very small percentage” of players and officials will be granted a medical exemption to enter Melbourne Park unvaccinated.

With the first major of the 2022 season less than a month away, mandatory vaccination has been the biggest talking point leading into the tournament.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday morning, Tiley said that while some people would be given an exemption, he stressed in reality it was a small number and the vast majority of participants would be fully vaccinated.

“The great thing is that everyone (coming to Melbourne Park) is vaccinated,” Tiley told reporters.

“Everyone who is coming in is vaccinated and there will be a small percentage – a very small percentage – that will have a medical exemption.

“If any player, fan (or) workforce is on site here, you’re either vaccinated or you have a medical exemption that’s approved and you’re on the Australian Immunisation Register.

“That provides us with safety and an extra level of comfort on site.”

It still remains unclear whether world number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic has been vaccinated or will compete at the event under a medical exemption.

Tennis will begin at Melbourne Park on January 3 as three lead-up events commence, with the Australian Open starting on January 17.