Novak Djokovic, the World No. 1 tennis player, has added to the intrigue surrounding his participation in next year’s Australian Open. He is the defending champion, apparently planning to forgo the ATP Cup, which is set to take place in Sydney from January 1 to 9.
“It is 99 per cent certain that Novak will not attend to the ATP Cup,” a member of his staff reportedly told Serbian tabloid Blic. He’s training here (in Belgrade), but he’s opting out of the competition.”
The 34-year-old, who broke the tie with American great Pete Sampras by finishing the 2021 season as World No. 1 for a record seventh time, has kept the organizers guessing about his COVID-19 vaccination status.
The latest withdrawal report from the multi-nation ATP Cup has complicated his Australian Open participation.
Djokovic has opposed the Australian Open’s stipulation that only fully-vaccinated athletes compete at Melbourne Park.
While tournament director Craig Tiley has stated that medical exemption will be granted to a very tiny number of players, he has not stated if the nine-time Australian Open winner will be one of them.
The Australian Open begins on January 17, and Djokovic’s availability has been hampered by the Victorian state’s COVID-19 vaccine obligation, which he has refused to reveal.
According to the Serbian, his vaccination status is a “personal” concern.
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Djokovic did Sign up for the ATP Cup
After the Davis Cup, Djokovic made no public statements, though he did sign up for the ATP Cup and the Australian Open a few days later.
Todd Woodbridge, a tennis legend in Australia, believes Djokovic’s participation in the ATP Cup is a sign that he will compete in the Australian Open.
“He had the option of entering or not entering, so he put his name on the entrance list, which means you have to think he’ll be here for the entire summer,” according to Woodbridge 2GB’s Wide World of Sports radio.
“That’s excellent for tennis; Novak fans will rejoice, and I believe Sydney fans will as well.” He’s familiar with all of the government’s immunization requirements, so you’d assume he’d be on top of things unless he pulls anything unexpected.”
Serbia, led by Djokovic, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, won the inaugural ATP Cup in 2020. Djokovic also competed in the ATP Cup this year, although Serbia could not defend their championship.
Djokovic claimed after Serbia’s loss in the Davis Cup Finals that he will make his decision about the Australian public as soon as feasible.
“I realize you’re curious about where and how I’ll begin the season. I’m fatigued from this season and the entire year, so I’d rather spend my time with my family, in rehab mode, before deciding what my future contains.” After the Davis Cup Finals, Djokovic remarked.
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