‘You’ll know very soon’: Djokovic refuses to be drawn on Australian Open plans

Novak Djokovic has refused to say whether he intends to play the 2022 Australian Open amidst the country’s strict vaccine regulations for visitors.

The world No 1 has repeatedly avoided the topic of his vaccination status – but his father claimed this week that Djokovic would not be heading to Melbourne in January to chase a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title, describing the vaccination requirements as “blackmail”.

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And following Serbia’s Davis Cup defeat at the hands of Croatia, the 34-year-old was asked once again about his plans for the start of next season.

“Honestly, I’m going to try to use the next days to just rejuvenate, recover, and forget about tennis,” he said. “So right now I understand you want some answers on where I start the season, how I start it.

“I’m really, really tired from this season and this whole year, so I just prefer sticking to the family quality time, rehab mode, then let’s see what the future brings.”

When pressed, he emphasised that he would not be giving a firm answer yet: “I know what you want. I’m not going to give you an answer tonight. I know what you want to ask me. But you will be informed. That’s all I can tell you. I cannot give you any date.

“Obviously Australia is around the corner, so you will know very soon.”

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