You gotta be Djoking!
Almost immediately following Novak Djokovic’s COVID-19 vaccine-related escapade with the Australian Border Force, WTA Tour player Renata Voracova also found herself in hot water ahead of the 2022 Australian Open.
Voracova’s vaccination status, though, came into question after she’d already played a warm-up tournament in Melbourne. Whereas Djokovic never even made it into the country.
She, too, received a vaccine exemption from Tennis Australia because she’d recently had and recovered from the COVID. However, Border Force officials informed her she must leave the country.
Voracova was taken to the same detention facility as Djokovic, and she won’t appeal the ruling.
Djokovic also received clearance to enter the country after receiving an exemption.
“I’ve spent fantastic quality time with my loved ones over the break and today I’m heading Down Under with an exemption permission,” he wrote on Instagram.
Djokovic was detained by immigration officials but later released on a judge’s order.
The Australian Open is scheduled to start January 17.
Voracova, 38, has played in the Australian Open doubles draw 13 times dating back to 2003, and she also played in the singles draw on five occasions. She’s never made it past the second round, though, in either event.
She’s currently ranked 81st in doubles but doesn’t have an active singles ranking.
