Novak Djokovic‘s participation at the upcoming Australian Open appears in doubt after the Serbian superstar pulled out of the ATP Cup.
According to Serbian newspaper Blic, Djokovic has opted to skip the ATP Cup, which is scheduled to be held from January 1-9 in Sydney.
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“It is 99 per cent sure that Novak won’t go to the ATP Cup. He is training here (in Belgrade) but he has decided to give that tournament a miss,” a member of his team reportedly said.
The 34-year-old’s withdrawal means his availability for the Australian Open is more complex.
The Australian Open isn’t scheduled to start until January 17, but a Victorian state-enforced COVD-19 vaccine mandate has put pressure on the 20-time Grand Slam winner’s availability, who to date has refused to reveal his vaccination status.
The 34-year-old has stated on multiple occasions that his vaccination status is a “personal” matter.
Earlier this week, Djokovic’s father dropped the biggest hint yet that the world No.1 hasn’t had a COVID-19 vaccine.
Speaking to Serbian TV, Srdjan Djokovic gave the impression his son wasn’t vaccinated, and will instead rely on an exemption to travel to Australia.
“They have to decide whether they will let Novak in,” he said.
“If they decide (not to let him in), they have to stand behind their decision.
“He has won the Australian Open nine times, he now wants to play – but they have to permit him to play.
“Novak will do what he thinks is the best for him, nobody will impose an opinion on him.”
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