‘I assume he’s playing and is vaccinated’ – Andy Murray hopes Novak Djokovic will compete at Australian Open
Andy Murray hopes Novak Djokovic will be involved at the Australian Open despite his vaccination status and participation remaining unclear, saying “you want the best players playing the biggest events.”
World number one Djokovic’s involvement at the Australian Open has been clouded with doubt for the past few months after he consistently refused to publicly reveal his Covid-19 vaccination status, although he has said “you’ll know very soon.”
Recently, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley announced that for players to compete at the ‘Happy Slam,’ they will be required to be double-vaccinated. A move which was described as “blackmail” by Novak’s father Srdjan.
Although, hopes were boosted last week when Djokovic was named in both Serbia’s ATP Cup squad as well as the Australian Open entry list, Tiley cast further doubt when he said “everyone goes on the entry list, it’s not a commitment list.”
Should reigning champion Djokovic compete he will be looking to defend his ‘Happy Slam’ crown, claim a record-extending tenth Australian Open title and chase a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam.
Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray told Scottish newspaper the Press and Journal “I don’t know what the situation is with Novak. The latest I saw was that he was on the entry list, and I assume he’s playing and has been vaccinated.
“But we were told they were the rules – if you want to play, you have to be vaccinated – so I’m assuming that’s what’s happened.
“Ultimately, you want all of the best players to be playing in the biggest events. It’s what makes the events more interesting and he’s also going to try to win and break the record, winning a 21st Slam.
“His record there is phenomenal, so hopefully he’ll be there.”
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