He’s coming, he’s not coming, he’s coming. The organizers of the Australian Open yesterday confirmed the world number one Novak Djokovic as a participant in the Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne. The Serbian is next to the tennis world number one Ashley Barty “at the top of the outstanding player fields”, it said on the website of the organizer.
The tennis superstar had left his participation in the tournament, which begins on January 17, 2022, as well as his corona vaccination status open. According to the requirements of the state of Victoria, only vaccinated tennis professionals are allowed to compete. Most recently, his father Srdjan Djokovic said on the Serbian television station Prva TV: “Under these blackmail and circumstances, it is likely that he will not participate.”
There is already speculation in the Australian media that Djokovic has applied for a special permit. Tennis Australia had previously confirmed that every athlete must meet the strict requirements of the health authorities. “This includes a certified vaccination certificate or a valid medical exemption that has been approved by the Australian health authorities,” said the umbrella organization. Djokovic announced that he would like to comment personally on the topic in the near future. Australian tennis legend Todd Woodbridge is convinced that Djokovic has already been vaccinated. “When you consider what’s at stake, it would be amazing if he didn’t compete,” said the former world-class doubles man.
In Melbourne, the Serb could overtake Swiss Roger Federer and Spaniard Rafael Nadal in the all-time ranking with his 21st Grand Slam title and become the sole leader. The organizers of the ATP Cup had previously announced that Djokovic was part of the Serbian team for the team competition from January 1st to 9th in Sydney.
The seven-time Australian Open winner Serena Williams, on the other hand, is not at the start on the advice of her doctors. “While this decision is never easy to make, I’m not where I need to be physically,” said Williams.
Thiem is about to make a comeback
A week from now, Austria’s ace Dominic Thiem will also return to the court. On December 16, the 2020 US Open winner will make his comeback after a wrist injury at the invitation tournament in Abu Dhabi against Andy Murray. The Lower Austrian played his last match so far on June 22nd on Mallorca. “So far, the preparation went according to plan,” said Thiem. Then the preparation for Australia begins immediately. Thiem also competes in the ATP Cup with Austria. The draw is steep. Russia (with Daniil Medwedew), Italy (Matteo Berrettini) and hosts Australia are waiting for Thiem, Dennis Novak and Co.
Source: Nachrichten
