Djokovic’s father flays Australian Open organisers, says Novak probably won’t play

Melbourne, Nov 30 : World No.1 tennis player Novak Djokovic "probably wont" play the Australian Open beginning January 17 next year as his father Srdjan feels the tournament organisers decision to not allow unvaccinated players -- or players who dont share their Covid-19 vaccination status -- amounts to "blackmail".

Djokovic is keeping the Australian Open organisers and his fans guessing about his Covid-19 vaccination status, adding to the uncertainty over whether he will compete at next years opening major.

The Australian Open director Craig Tiley has categorically stated that only fully vaccinated players will be allowed to compete in the tournament.Djokovic, the nine-time and defending Australian Open champion, has refused to divulge his vaccination status, or whether he intends to get vaccinated before the event.

Recently, Tiley had said that, "He (Djokovic) has not shared his status with anyone."In an interview with Serbian television programme TV Prva, which was later reported in English by B92, Srdjan Djokovic said that Djokovics participation in the opening major of 2022 will "depends on how they (organisers) position themselves".

"He would want it with all his heart because hes an athlete, and we would love that too," Srdjan said of Novaks appearance in Melbourne."Under these blackmails and conditions, he probably wont.I wouldnt do that.

And hes my son, so you decide for yourself."Srdjan said even he did not know about Novaks vaccination status, adding that he respected his sons privacy.

"As far as vaccines and non-vaccines are concerned, it is the personal right of each of us whether we will be vaccinated or not," he said."Everyone has the right to decide on their health.

Whether he is vaccinated or not, that is his exclusive right.Will he publish it, I dont think so.I dont know that decision either, and if I did, I wouldnt share it with you.He has the right to decide as he wants."Srjdan also trashed the 14-day hotel quarantine idea, which was mooted by the Australian Open organisers for unvaccinated players but later ruled out by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, according to smh.com.au."Quarantine, right, but one should spend 14 days in a hotel room and not even come out in the hotel lobby.Well, they came up with a great idea, let them play in the tournament then," Srdjan said.

Djokovic had contracted Covid -19 during his Adria Tour event, which he organised in June 2020.He was asymptomatic.

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