Australian Open organisers have included Novak Djokovic in the event's main draw entry list, while the Victorian government has reiterated that all players competing in Melbourne must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Tennis Australia (TA) on Wednesday afternoon listed Djokovic among the players granted direct entry to the men's singles draw for the season-opening major.
Djokovic — who has not publicly revealed his vaccination status — has not confirmed whether he will play at the tournament.
TA's announcement came after the Victorian government weighed in on speculation the men's world number one was seeking a medical exemption to play in Melbourne.
Government officials have been adamant for months that only fully vaccinated players, entourages, staff and spectators will be granted entry to Melbourne Park for the season's opening major from January 17-30.
Deputy Premier James Merlino said there were only a limited number of reasons why medical exemptions would be granted.
"My view on this is is really clear and really simple," Mr Merlino said.
"Everyone's looking forward to the Australian Open and everyone who will attend — spectators, players, officials, staff — everyone is expected to be fully vaccinated.
"It is a medical exemption in exceptional circumstances, if you have an acute medical condition."
Prior to listing Djokovic among the Australian Open main-draw entires, TA had released a statement to "confirm that everyone entering Australia for the summer of tennis will need to meet the strict requirements set by health authorities across the country".
"These include certified proof of vaccination, or a valid medical exemption approved by Australian medical officials," the statement read.
"What has also been made clear by health officials is that international arrivals who don't meet these requirements will need to quarantine for 14 days."
AAP/ABC
