TURIN − Novak Djokovic refused to reveal whether he would defend his Australian Open title after the tournament’s chief confirmed yesterday that only vaccinated players would be able to take part in the first Grand Slam of the season.
The decision, revealed by Craig Tiley, piled more pressure on world number one Novak, who has refused to reveal if he has been inoculated.
“We’ll see, we’ll have to wait and see,” Novak said to reporters after losing his ATP Finals semi-final against Alexander Zverev.
“I haven’t been talking to them (the tournament organisers), to be honest. I was just waiting to hear what the news is going to be, now that I know, we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Melbourne − where January’s Grand Slam is held − has spent more than 260 days under lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic and the government of the state of Victoria made clear last month there would be no concessions for unvaccinated players.
Craig said the playing group know they must get the jab to compete in the Australian Open, but that he would “love to see Novak here” and attempt to win a record 21st Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park.
Alexander, who was effusive in his praise of Novak after winning an exciting match in Turin 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 6-3, also said that he hoped his friend would be Down Under.
“Look, it’s a very tough one because it’s very political,” said Alexander.
“We are visiting another country, this is about the virus that is going around right (now), this is not about a tournament or tennis, this is (how) we are visiting another country.
“If the country is allowing us to enter, we need (to) follow the rules and follow the guidelines. I hope he’s able to play.
“I’m number three in the world so if he doesn’t play, it’s easier to win the tournament, but also, he’s number one in the world so he should be able to play. Hopefully, the Australian government will make an exemption.” – AFP, November 21, 2021
