Djokovic courts controversy after tennis star granted medical exemption for Australian Open

Novak Djokovic is one grand slam win away from breaking a record.

Fury, shock and widespread confusion unfolded on social media in Australia after tennis great Novak Djokovic announced Tuesday that he was granted a medical exemption to play at the Australian Open, which begins Jan. 17.

The announcement was mostly met with heated replies. Other social media platforms, letters-to-the-editor and talk radio in Australia were also flooded with criticism towards Djokovic, who has refused to divulge his COVID vaccination status but last year said he was opposed to it.

“We have been taken for fools," tweeted former Australian football player Kevin Bartlett.

"Many Australians have not been able to return home for two years. There has been little free movement across borders. So regardless of your views on vaccinations, the issue is the consistent rule bending for a selected few ... Grubby decision," said Australian broadcaster Shane Anderson.