‘I think Novak Djokovic will play the Australian Open,’ says Australian tennis legend

Australian tennis legend Todd Woodbridge admits he would be ‘amazed’ if Novak Djokovic was to miss the Australian Open in early 2022.

With a successful defence of his Australian Open crowd, the Serbian would go out in front in the Grand Slam titles race with 21 to his name, ahead of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer on 20 majors.

Given the high stakes and with tennis history on the line, Woodbridge conceded that he’d be astonished if Djokovic doesn’t travel to Melbourne Park.

However, after refusing to reveal his vaccination status and with Victorian Premier Dan Andrews standing firm that no unvaccinated players will be permitted, Djokovic’s participation remains doubtful.

“I think given what’s on the line, it would be amazing if he didn’t turn up. Yeah, I do think he’ll play,” Woodbridge told AAP on Thursday.

If he decides not to play, the 16-time Grand Slam doubles champion believes that would be another example of the world number one being his own man and sticking to his principles.

“It would be his own personal statement in a sense of what he believes in,” Woodbridge said.

“I suppose that’s what’s given him that point of difference in his career, where he made the decision to make changes to his diet and his fitness and in his health. And that’s up to him to make those choices.

“But I don’t think Australia’s going to be the only issue for him moving forward. It’s more about how does the rest of the year play out if that were to happen.”

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