Novak‌ ‌Djokovic‌ ‌isn’t sure of ‌competing ‌at‌ ‌Australian‌ ‌Open‌ ‌over vaccine mandate

Reigning men’s Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic hasn’t confirmed his participation in next year’s Australian Open. The Serbian has also not revealed his vaccine status, calling it a private matter. 

The Australian state of Victoria has imposed a vaccine mandate for athletes, which will require them to be vaccinated before taking part in any professional sports competition. 

“Things being as they are, I still don’t know if I will go to Melbourne. I will not reveal my status whether I have been vaccinated or not. It is a private matter and an inappropriate inquiry. People go too far these days in taking the liberty of asking questions and judging a person. Whatever you say ‘Yes, no, maybe, I am thinking about it, they will take advantage,” said Djokovic. 

Earlier this year, Djokovic had hoped that it wouldn’t be made mandatory for tennis players to get the COVID-19 vaccine as he believes in freedom of choice. He dismissed media reports of him being anti-vaccine and hoped that people respected his stance. The 34-year-old stated that he wasn’t against vaccines, but opposed forced vaccination. 

Djokovic stated this week that he was keen on playing at the Australian Open as he has been most successful there. He said that a decision upon playing in the first Grand Slam of 2022 will be taken in the next two weeks. 

“Of course I want to go. Australia is my most successful Grand Slam tournament. I want to compete, I love this sport and I am still motivated, I am following the situation regarding the Australian Open and I understand the final decision (on COVID-related restrictions) will be made in two weeks. I believe there will be a lot of restrictions just like this year, but I doubt there will be too many changes,” said the nine-time men’s Australian Open winner. 

Djokovic was in hot water last year for hosting exhibition games where COVID-19 protocols were not being observed. He, along with several involved in the charity games, contracted the virus. He later acknowledged that the charity games should not have taken place, but called the criticism a witch hunt. 

Djokovic had a superb 2021 season, winning the men’s singles titles at the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. He was on course to achieve a Calendar Slam in the men’s singles, emulating Rod Laver who last achieved it in the men’s singles in 1969 but fell at the final hurdle – the US Open.