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‘Honest’: Kim Clijsters Defends Novak Djokovic After Severe Backlash

Published 01/05/2022, 5:00 AM EST

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via Reuters

After months of speculation, Novak Djokovic finally confirmed yesterday that he will play in the Australian Open 2022. The 20-time Grand Slam champion received a medical exemption from Tennis Australia to defend his title at the major.

In fact, Djokovic had been trying to secure the medical exemption for a long time now. Moreover, it also cost him his place in Team Serbia at the ATP Cup, which he had to withdraw from.

Many fans have been unhappy with the decision, citing ‘special treatment’ that Djokovic demanded. However, former World No. 1 WTA star Kim Clijsters defended Novak against the naysayers.

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Kim Clijsters defends Novak Djokovic on Twitter

Questions were raised about Novak Djokovic demanding exclusive treatment in terms of being granted an exemption on Twitter. Kim Clijsters responded to one of the tweets, wondering how all non-vaccinated players (including Novak) will live in Australia.

via Reuters

She asked if non-vaccinated players “will have to undergo testing every day,” and be in “separate locker-rooms, separate eating area(s)” in her tweet.

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This further invited more questions about exactly how many players were unvaccinated and there via medical exemptions. Clijsters then responded with a clear number.

Clijsters informed that there were a total of 26 players who had applied for a medical exemption. However, only a handful of them successfully got it.

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BREAKING: Novak Djokovic Confirms He Will Play at Australian Open 2022- Releases Official Statement

Moreover, she mentioned how it was not just Novak Djokovic, who applied for and received a medical exemption. Then, she appreciated the honesty with which Novak has conducted himself.I guess Novak is the only one who has been honest about it so far,” Clijsters tweeted.

Novak’s exemption has been the hot topic in the tennis world and has drawn both support and criticism from people. What do you make of the situation? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Samarveer Singh

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Samarveer Singh is a tennis writer at EssentiallySports. Holding a degree in English Literature and a diploma in Fitness Sciences and Training, Samarveer is obsessed with tennis and basketball. He is also an automotive writer at HotCars.
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