Jamie Murray leaves team-mates with heads in hands after Novak Djokovic verdict

Jamie Murray left his team-mates besides themselves after giving his verdict on Novak Djokovic's participation at the Australian Open.

The world number one was granted a medical exemption that allows him to compete in the first Grand Slam of 2022 by Tennis Australia on Tuesday.

Tournament rules state that all players must be double-vaccinated against Covid-19, and Djokovic has refused to disclose whether he has been jabbed.

The decision to grant the clearance has proved to be a controversial one amongst the tennis community.

And Murray, who is already in Australia competing as part of a five-man team for Great Britain in the ATP Cup, believes he wouldn't have received the same treatment as the record nine-time Open champ.

He said: "I don't know what to say about that really. I mean, you know, I think if it was me that wasn't vaccinated I wouldn't be getting an exemption."

Team captain Liam Broady couldn't hold back his laughter after Murray's comment and placed his head in his hands.

Joe Salisbury let out a wry smile, Daniel Evans turned in a shocked state, and Cameron Norrie's eyes flicked around in search of a hole in the ground to swallow him up.

Should Djokovic's exemption be reversed? Let us know in the comments section.

Murray continued: "But well done to him for getting cleared to come to Australia and compete."

A reporter questioned: "It sounds like you don't think it's very fair then?"

The seven-time Grand Slam doubles champion replied: "Well, whatever you want to say. That's the situation."

Broady then interrupted his team-mate and said: "Yeah, I mean at the end of the day you kind of have to trust that he does have a valid reason for the medical exemption.

"That's all you can say about it really isn't it."

Broady also took to social media to share his views, writing: "The second AO announced there would be exemptions 8 weeks ago we all knew."

Djokovic is looking to secure a record-breaking 21st major title once the Australian Open gets underway on January 17.

He is currently tied on 20 with both Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer.

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