Djokovic’s father says world No 1 “will probably not play the Australian Open”

Djokovic has not revealed whether he is vaccinated against Covid-19 – a pre-requisite for playing at the Australian Open in 2022

Novak Djokovic (SRB) avec son pere Srdjan Djokovic || 052201_0019 2011 All England Lawn Tennis Championships ATP Attitude entrainement hauteur homme hommes J11 men PARENTS sport tennis wimbledon

Simon Cambers

November 28, 2021

Srdjan Djokovic, the father of world No 1 Novak Djokovic, says his son “probably won’t play at the Australian Open” in January due to the rule that means players must show they have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

“Everyone has the right to decide for their own health,” Srdjan told TV Prva in Serbia on Sunday. “Will he (Novak Djokovic) reveal whether he is vaccinated or not? I don’t think so, and I don’t know his decision either. And even if I did, I wouldn’t share it with you.

“He has the right to decide as he sees fit. But given this blackmail and these conditions, Novak will probably not play the Australian Open.”

Novak_Djokovic_père_Srdjan — Novak Djokovic with his father, Srdjan

Given that Srdjan does not know whether Novak has been vaccinated, his opinion is just that, at this stage. Moreover, Srdjan has previously been vocal on a number of issues, which have not always turned out to be verified.

Djokovic himself said simply “we’ll see”, when asked whether he will defend his title in Melbourne. The Serb has won the Australian Open a record nine times and given that he’s tied with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20 Grand Slam titles, there is a lot to play for.

Djokovic is currently in action for Serbia at the Davis Cup Finals.