Novak Djokovic ‘trying to get to Australian Open’ reveals national teammate

Following his withdrawal from the ATP Cup, the participation of Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open is still up in the air.

The world number one was initially part of Team Serbia when the ATP Cup draw was announced in early December, but withdrew just a few days ahead of the event beginning 1st January.

Now, the man who takes his place as Serbia’s number one at the ATP Cup, Dusan Lajovic, has spoken on the withdrawal by Djokovic and the possibility of his competing in Melbourne come 17th January.

“I don’t know the official reason [why he pulled out of the ATP Cup,” Lajovic admitted in a tournament press conference.

“But, maybe the ATP knows, I don’t know. He just said he’s not coming to the ATP [Cup] and [that he’s] trying to get to the Australian Open.

Lajovic then added as follows, that Djokovic said “I’m not coming to the ATP Cup, we’ll see about the Australian Open.”

“He didn’t specify if he’s coming or not but that he’s waiting for a decision,” Lajovic finished.

A report out of Serbia has suggested that Djokovic was rejected for a medical exemption, further implying that the 20-time Slam champion is unvaccinated.

Officially his vaccination status remains unknown to the public.

Djokovic’s absence from the ATP Cup is his first since the event began in 2020, the year he led Serbia to the inaugural title, defeating Rafael Nadal’s Spain in the final.

Should Djokovic not play the Australian Open it would end his streak of consecutive appearances at 17, having played every year since his debut in 2005.

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