Novak Djokovic’s latest move fuels rumours he may miss Australian Open

Kevin Palmer
December 26, 2021

The debate over Novak Djokovic’s participation in next month’s Australian Open has taken a twist, with the world No.1 making a move that fuels rumours he will miss the first Grand Slam of 2021.

Djokovic’s refusal to confirm whether he has been vaccinated against Covid-19 has cast a cloud over his hopes of defending his title in Melbourne, with all players needing to be fully vaccinated to travel to Australia.

Yet it appeared the nine-time Australian Open champion was ready to confirmed his eagerness to play when he was included on the entry list of the ATP Cup, that will precede the Grand Slam event.

Now it has been confirmed that Djokovic has pulled out of the ATP Cup, where he was due to represent Serbia, with Australian tennis chiefs confirming they are yet to have any word over his vaccine status.

Now Serbian newspaper Blic has reported Djokovic will not travel to Australia after all, with Australian Open chief Craig Tiley confirming he is still waiting to hear whether the 20-time Grand Slam champion will play in Melbourne.

The ongoing saga over Djokovic’s vaccine status has left many in tennis confused by his motives, with the extended debate over whether he will play ensuring Djokovic will become a poster boy for the anti-vaxxer movement if he does decide to skip the trip to Australia.

Djokovic appears to be keen to drag this story out for as long as possible, but he will need to confirm whether he will play in the Australian Open soon and he will need to be double vaccinated by now if he is to be allowed to fly to Australia.

Novak Djokovic