2022 Australian Open: Novak Djokovic will “probably” not play due to COVID-19 vaccination protocol, father says

It is likely that Novak Djokovic will not defend the Australian Open crown. Any player planning to take part in the 2022 Australian Open, which starts on 17 January, must be vaccinated against COVID-19. Because of these protocols, Novak Djokovic’s father Srdjan Djokovic says his son is unlikely to participate in the tournament.

Srdjan Djokovic spoke to Serbian television about the upcoming event, suggesting that unless vaccine restrictions change, he will not see his son play.

“In these blackmails and conditions, he probably won’t [play]. I wouldn’t do that. And he’s my son, so you decide for yourself, ”Srdjan Djokovic said. According to BBC Sport. “… As for vaccines and not vaccines, it is the personal right of each of us whether we will be vaccinated … No one has the right to access our privacy.”

Srdjan Djokovic added that he does not know if Novak Djokovic is vaccinated and even if he knew, he would not share this information with the public.

After the last ATP Finals, the 34-year-old gave no clear answer as to whether he would compete in the first Grand Slam of 2022.

“We’ll see. We’ll have to wait and see. I haven’t talked to them [Australian Open organizers], to be honest. I was waiting to hear what the news will be and now I know we just have to wait and see, ”Djokovic said. According to Eurosport.

Most players are expected to be vaccinated by the end of the tournament, BBC Sport has reported. Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said 85% of professional players get vaccinated and expect that number to rise “between 90-95%” in the next two months. Fans and staff at the event should also be vaccinated.

Djokovic has scored the most wins in the Australian Open in nine of his 20 Grand Slam victories. Among men, he is tied for most Grand Slam titles with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.