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World number one Novak Djokovic has once again declined to reveal whether he has been vaccinated against COVID-19. As a result, Djokovic, who has won the Australian Open nine times, might miss out on this season’s opening Grand Slam next year. The Australian Open organizers have insisted that all players will need to be vaccinated to be granted permission to play in the first Grand Slam event of 2022.
Notably, the state of Victoria, where the Grand Slam event takes place in Melbourne, has introduced a vaccine mandate for professional athletes, although authorities have not yet clarified what the requirement will be for those coming from abroad. Earlier, Djokovic had said that he had no intention of being vaccinated against Covid-19. In the present circumstances, there's a big likelihood that the king of the Australian Open won't compete at this year's competition.
I still don't know if I will go to Melbourne: Djokovic
"Things being as they are, I still don't know if I will go to Melbourne,” Djokovic told the online edition of Serbian daily Blic.
“I will not reveal my status whether I have been vaccinated or not, it is a private matter and an inappropriate inquiry.
“People go too far these days in taking the liberty to ask questions and judge a person. Whatever you say 'Yes, no, maybe, I am thinking about it', they will take advantage."
The world number one last competed at the US Open, where his bid to complete the calendar slam was ended by Russia's Daniil Medvedev in the final.
"Of course I want to go, Australia is my most successful Grand Slam tournament. I want to compete, I love this sport and I am still motivated.”
He added, "I am following the situation regarding the Australian Open and I understand the final decision (on COVID-related restrictions) will be made in two weeks. I believe there will be a lot of restrictions just like this year, but I doubt there will be too many changes.
“My manager, who is in contact with the Australian Tennis Federation, tells me they are trying to improve the conditions for everyone, both for those who have been vaccinated and those who have not."
The 34-year-old confirmed in the interview that he will play the Paris Masters, ATP Finals and Davis Cup Finals this year.