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Novak Djokovic US Open 2021

‘We’ll have to wait and see’ – Djokovic remains reserved on Australian Open participation


World number one Novak Djokovic has again refused to commit to the Australian Open after it was announced that Covid-19 vaccines would be made mandatory for entry.

Players who wish to compete at the upcoming Australian Open in January will be required to be vaccinated in order to play.

This decision affects defending champion Djokovic who refused to announce his Covid-19 vaccination status and was waiting for official rules to be announced before making a final decision.

When asked about the Australian Open in a press conference following his semi-final defeat to Alexander Zverev at the ATP Finals, Djokovic remained reserved over his participation, answering with a brief “we’ll see.”

When pressed further for an answer, Djokovic said “I haven’t been talking to them [the organisers]. 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.”

The 20-time Grand Slam champion also spoke about vaccines when responding to Nick Kyrgios’ comments regarding the Australian Open this week.

Kyrgios initially said on his No Boundaries podcast that he wanted the Australian Open to be cancelled, but has since clarified his comments through an Instagram story.

Kyrgios doesn’t think it is “morally right to accept players from overseas that aren’t vaccinated” so they can “waltz” around Australia for the Australian Open. Although, he also doesn’t think it is right to force anyone to get vaccinated.

To which Djokovic agreed, saying people “should have the freedom to choose” whether they get vaccinated or not.

“The freedom of choice is essential for everyone, whether it’s me or somebody else.

“Doesn’t really matter whether it’s vaccination or anything else in life. You should have the freedom to choose, to decide what you want to do. In this particular case, what you want to put in your body.”

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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.