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Djokovic Australian Open 2021

Novak Djokovic ‘wants to play’ Australian Open amidst vaccine uncertainty, father reveals


Novak Djokovic “wants to play” the Australian Open but Tennis Australia “have to decide whether they let him,” according to Novak’s father Srdjan.

20-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic’s participation at the upcoming Australian Open has been enveloped in doubt after he has refused to publicly declare his Covid-19 vaccination status.

Last month, Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley announced that if players wish to compete at the ‘Happy Slam’ they will be required to be fully vaccinated. A decision Novak’s father Srdjan described as “blackmail.”

Despite these requirements, World number one Djokovic was named on both Serbia’s ATP Cup team as well as the Australian Open entry list, leading many to speculate that the Serbian had been vaccinated and will definitely compete.

However, tournament director Tiley axed these hopes when he revealed “everyone goes on the entry list, it’s not a commitment list.”

In an interview with Serbian television news outlet K1 Televizija, Srdjan said “they [Tennis Australia] have to decide whether they will let Novak in. If they decide [not to let him compete], they have to stand behind their decision.

“He has won the Australian Open nine times, he now wants to play – but they have to permit him to play. Novak will do what he thinks is the best for him, nobody will impose an opinion on him.”

Should Djokovic not be allowed to compete, Srdjan remains confident that his son will go on to win up to five more Grand Slams in his hunt to finish his career as the most successful male player ever.

“What to do if he ends up not going [to the Australian Open]? We will wait for Roland Garros and his 21st Grand Slam title.

“He will win a few more Grand Slam titles until he retires: I think four or five. He will win at least twice in Wimbledon and some other Slams for sure.

“Do you doubt that? You don’t need to be an expert, but Novak will play for another two to three years and this will be enough.”

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.