‘You have to believe Novak Djokovic will play’ declares legend on Australian Open
The inclusion of Novak Djokovic on the list for the 2022 ATP Cup all but confirms his Australian Open participation according to this great.
The world number one has been named as taking part in the third edition of the international team event beginning 1st January.
As such, it give a strong suggestion that the Serb will also compete as three-time defending champion at the Australian Open come 17th January.
16-time Slam doubles champion Todd Woodbridge certainly believes so, as he explained following the ATP Cup announcement.
“He had the choice to enter or not enter so he’s put his name on the entry list and that means you’ve got to believe that he’s coming all the way through the summer,” Woodbridge told 2GB’s Wide World of Sports radio.
Djokovic won the tournament with Serbia at the inaugural event in 2020, defeating Rafael Nadal’s Spain in the final.
His third appearance in 2022 would bolster the Australian summer of tennis ahead of the first Slam of the new season.
“[His entry] is good for tennis, for [Djokovic] fans they’ll be rejoicing, and I think also for the Sydney fans,” Woodbridge continued.
“He knows all the government regulations about the vaccination, so that means, you would think, that he’s on top of it unless he pulls something that we’re not expecting.”
Djokovic is yet to confirm his participation at the Australian Open as his vaccination status remains unknown.
He has played the Melbourne Slam every year since his 2005 debut, a run of 17 consecutive appearances.
He has won the tournament nine times, a men’s record and overall Open Era record.
Only Margaret Court has more singles titles there with 11, seven of which came before the Open Era.
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