Melbourne, Dec 8th : .World No.Novak Djokovic, the world’s No.1 tennis player, is on the main draw entry list for 2022 Australian Open.However, it is not known if the Serbian has received the Covid-19 vaccine.This vaccine is required to compete in the first major next year. Tennis Australia released the entry list on Wednesday, which included 104 male players.
Djokovic has confirmed that he will play in the ATP Cup in Sydney as a lead-up tournament, a sign that he may have been vaccinated.
A Herald Sun report suggested that Djokovic could be granted medical exemption to play in Melbourne.
The Victorian government denied that Djokovic was exempted and stated that unvaccinated players would not be allowed to play at the Australian Open.
“My view is very clear and simple.”Everyone’s looking forward the Australian Open and all who will attend — players, officials, staff — everyone should be fully vaccinated,” James Merlino, Victorian Deputy Premier, was quoted by sen.com.au.
“They are the rules.Medical exemptions are for the purpose of medical treatment.It’s not a loophole that allows privileged tennis players to play.If you have an urgent medical condition, it is possible to get a medical exemption.My view, and I believe the view of all Victorians alike, is that everyone who attends Open — player spectators, staff, officials, etc.– should be fully vaccinated.
Recently, Novak’s father Srdjan said that Novak “probably will’t” play at the Australian Open beginning January 17.This is because the tournament organizers’ decision not to allow unvaccinated players (or players who don’t have their Covid-19 vaccination status) amounts to “blackmail”.
Djokovic has left the Australian Open organizers and his fans wondering about his Covid-19 vaccination status.
This has added to the uncertainty of whether he will compete at the major.
Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Serena Williams are not listed on the entry list for the Australian Open.
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