Novak Djokovic explains why ‘bad memory’ has left him indecisive about competing at 2022 Australian Open
Novak Djokovic has urged officials to include players in the decision-making process for the 2022 Australian Open as he would not like a repeat of this year’s quarantine nightmare.
Players remain in the dark about the requirements for next year’s season-opening Grand Slam at Melbourne Park as there have been a series of contradicting statements.
The Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison claims that players will be allowed into the country on the condition that they quarantine for 14 days in a hotel.
Morrison’s message is in line with a leaked email that was sent to WTA players which state that players who have been vaccinated will have complete freedom of movement while the unvaccinated players will need to undergo regular testing after their quarantine period.
Another day of contradictory messages about vaccination stance for the 2022 Australian Open
However, this is in sharp contrast to Victoria Premier Dan Andrews’ statement that unvaccinated players will not be allowed to compete.
In an interview with Blic a fortnight ago, Djokovic admitted that “he didn’t know” if he would compete in Australia.
The Serbian daily has since published the full transcript from the interview which contains more in-depth answers and it is clear the world No 1 is worried about a repeat of the 2021 situation when dozens of players were forced to do a hard quarantine after players on their plane tested positive for Covid-19.
“The main problem is that if you are on a plane with a person who is positive, whether you are vaccinated or not, you automatically have to go to the room for 14 days,” Djokovic said.
“That happened to Viktor Troicki in January this year. Not only him, but also 70 players had to be quarantined. I talked to a lot of players and that is something that everyone has a bad memory of.
“I would like the players to unite a little more, whether through PTPA or something independent or through ATP or WTA, just so that in some way we are relevant in some decision-making process.
“Now, I feel like the players aren’t aware about anything at all. Which isn’t much different from the past of how things were done, not just for Australia but for many other tournaments in general, not to go into details now. I don’t know if I’m going to Australia, I don’t know what’s going on. Currently, the situation is not good at all.”
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner makes revealing comment on his eyesight after Miami Open win
Jannik Sinner opened up on his use of contact lenses on court.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova serves up a desperate verdict on Andy Murray’s comeback hopes
Andy Murray is likely to have to wait several days to learn how long he will be sidelined for by the ankle injury he suffered in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Jannik Sinner reveals he has been having Call of Duty sessions with Italian football hero
Jannik Sinner has had some high-profile gaming clashes with Italy’s No 1 goalkeeper.
-
Tennis News
Former British No 1 offers up a theory to explain Novak Djokovic’s shock announcement
Has Novak Djokovic lined up a new coach following his decision to part ways with Goran Ivanisevic?
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic’s bombshell announcement fuels growing doubts over his tennis future
Speculation swirling over Novak Djokovic’s long-term future in tennis after his shock move.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s final moments of dominance were hard to spot – can he reclaim his crown?
Novak Djokovic’s reign as the king of men’s tennis appeared to be set to run and run – but the mood has changed.
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka used ‘parenting techniques’ to cope with Miami Open technical meltdown
Victoria Azarenka’s latest match was held up as the line-calling technology broke down – and she was not impressed.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz makes Jannik Sinner confession during Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer rivalry comparison
“I hope it will allow me to get the best out of myself … seeing the standard he sets.”
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic 3.0: Tennis great’s latest re-invention already underway with ruthless coaching move
The innovation doesn’t stop with Novak Djokovic.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic announces shock departure of long-term coach – ‘Thanks for everything my friend’
Did anyone see that Novak Djokovic coaching bombshell coming?