Djokovic will defend Australian Open title after exemption from vaccination

Find these stories and much more when you grab a copy of The Guardian on Wednesday.⁣

Novak Djokovic confirms he will defend his Australian Open title after receiving a medical exemption from being vaccinated against COVID -19.

Emmanuel Macron tells Le Parisien he wants to "piss off" the unvaccinated, prompting reaction from papers and rival politicians. Papers also reflect on the upcoming anniversary of the January 6 storming of the US Capitol. There's outrage in the Australian press after Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic is granted a medical exemption from the Australian Open's vaccine requirements. Plus: we discover two stories of people using billboards to look for love.

We take a look at the saga of Novak Djokovic’s detention Down Under, after the vaccine sceptic's visa exemption was revoked. But first, we see how the press is covering the violence in Kazakhstan and why the Moscow Times says Russia's involvement could be risky for the Kremlin. Plus, we discuss how the American press is praising – and lambasting – Joe Biden's January 6 speech.

As French President Emmanuel Macron says he wants to "piss off" the unvaccinated people in his country to push them into getting Covid-19 vaccines, the head of the European Parliament’s Human Rights Committee tells FRANCE 24 that while she is unconvinced by the phrasing, "it's really important to have a higher rate of vaccination in Europe and elsewhere, to guarantee that we don't go back to lockdowns".

World tennis No. 1 Novak Djokovic isn't alone in having his visa canceled after arriving for the Australian Open.

"I think it's ridiculous that no one will protest for anyone else except for a tennis player who is here in the country, and it's just, I think it's ridiculous. No one cares this much about anything else except for a tennis player. It's so dumb."

Ivory Coast soccer fans watching the African Cup of Nations are being greeted with rapid tests, masks and COVID-19 vaccines at dedicated fan zones, an initiative of the health ministry to spur vaccination. Officials say dozens of young people have been vaccinated at the Cup of Nations villages.

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic faces deportation once again after Australia's immigration minister used his powers to tear up Djokovic's visa. The player could still dispute the decision in court.

The Serbian tennis star has left Australia on a flight to Dubai after a court upheld a visa cancelation. Authorities said that his decision not to be vaccinated against coronavirus posed a risk to the Australian public.

Defending Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka called the Novak Djokovic saga "unfortunate" and "sad" Saturday as players complained the scandal was overshadowing the opening Grand Slam of the year.

Rafa Nadal is taking no pleasure from the absence of great rival Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open, even if it means he has a clearer shot at the Grand Slam title record.