Decision on Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open hopes will be made ‘in the coming days’

Novak Djokovic looking ahead

Novak Djokovic could still make an appearance at the Australian Open, according to tournament chief Craig Tiley.

All players taking part in the first Grand Slam event of 2022 need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, with world No.1 Djokovic repeatedly refusing to confirm whether he will be traveling to Australia.

There have been widespread reports in recent days suggesting Djokovic has asked for a medical exception to play at the Australian Open, after he pulled out of the ATP Cup event that is currently underway.

Now Tiley has given an update on Djokovic’s status, as he hinted there may be a final twist in this story after all.

“We’ve still got a few charter flights coming in until the end of this week and then all the players will be here,” he told the Nine Network.

“As far as the status relates to Novak, I think we’ll have a much clearer picture in the coming days otherwise it’s getting pretty late to show up and play the Australian Open.

“There’s quite a bit to play out and I think it will play out in the coming days.”

Djokovic is currently in Spain training ahead of what he hopes will be a flight to Australia, but he needs to have a resolution on this issue imminently if he is to get to Australia in time to prepare for the defence of his title in Melbourne.

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