SYDNEY, (Reuters) – Novak Djokovic arrived in Australia on Wednesday for the Grand Slam. However, Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Australia, promised that he would send him home if he could not prove he is worthy.

Djokovic is a nine-time Melbourne Park winner, and he announced on Tuesday that he was bidding for an unprecedented 21st major title at Australia Open. The tournament starts January 17.

The outrage generated by his announcement of a medical exemption for the tournament, without having been vaccinated against COVID-19 caused in Melbourne. This city has had the longest continuous lockdown in the history of the world and has seen record numbers of cases from the Omicron variant.

Morrison stated that Djokovic’s inclusion was not yet a done deal. He will need to satisfy the federal governments, who are responsible for the international border and visas.

He will not be treated differently from anyone else if the evidence presented isn’t sufficient. Novak Djokovic shouldn’t be given any extra rules. Morrison said that there were none.

Morrison claimed that many people were granted exemptions if they could prove their case.

Tennis Australia and the government quickly stressed that Djokovic had not received preferential treatment, but this did little to break the ice with others.

Rod Laver of Australia, the Australian tennis star, was concerned that Djokovic could face opposition from the residents.

Laver stated that “I believe it might turn ugly,” News Corp (NASDAQ): “I think that the Victorians would say, “Yes, I love him playing and competing but there is a right and wrong way.”

You’re an excellent player, and have won many tournaments. It can’t just be physical. “So what’s the problem?

Christine Wharton, a Melbourne resident said that it was “disgraceful”.

“We have all done what was right, got our jabs and boosters. Now we have someone who’s from abroad and he can play. I find it a disgraceful and won’t watch it.

EXPLANATION: HELPFUL

Tennis Australia has stipulated that all players at Melbourne Park need to be immunized or granted a medical exemption by an independent panel.

Djokovic won’t be required to keep a record of vaccinations and can enjoy all the benefits that come with being vaccinated.

Craig Tiley is the chief executive officer of Tennis Australia. He stated that the independent panel included doctors in the areas of infectious disease, immunology and general practice. All exclusions met the requirements of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation.

He said that Novak had come into the country because of statements he made over the years about vaccination. “We understand completely and sympathise with people being upset,” he stated to reporters.

Tiley admitted that there will be questions about the exemption. Djokovic is the only one who can answer these questions.

Novak said that it would certainly help if he could explain why he has sought exemption, but ultimately that’s up Novak.”

Djokovic refused to divulge his vaccination status. He had previously stated that he was not sure whether he would be competing in Melbourne. Roger Federer has 20 Grand Slam crowns and Rafa Ndal is behind him. He can play by playing.

Djokovic posted a photo of him at the airport on Tuesday as he said, “Let’s go 2022”.

Jaala Pulford, acting Victorian Sports Minister, stated that she believes “lots of Victorians will find this disappointing,” to reporters.

The process is extremely robust. “It’s been de-identified. Now the tennis can commence.”

This decision has attracted mixed reactions from the players.

Nicole Melichar Martinez, an American doubles expert, tweeted that she didn’t get why #DjokerNole was getting so many hateful tweets about his exemption from vaccines. He is within the rules. The government could have denied him, but they chose not to.

Alex De Minaur from Australia said, “It’s what it is. I hope the other players… It was reported that there had been other cases… They were exempted, so I am hopeful they’ll all meet the criteria.