Australian Open: Djokovic to get vaccinated? World No 1 Novak Djokovic has been named as a part of the Serbian team for the ATP Cup which is scheduled to be held in Sydney in early January. This is the first clear indication that the Serb might just be willing to get vaccinated. This might open the door for Novak Djokovic to play in the Australian Open. Follow Australian Open and ATP Cup Live Updates on InsideSport.IN
Australia has mandated Covid-19 vaccines for all incoming travelers including visiting athletes. Novak Djokovic has always been unwilling to disclose his vaccination details in the past and had even hinted that he might skip the season’s first Grand Slam because of the mandatory vaccination rule.
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic named in Serbia’s ATP Cup squad, will World No 1 get vaccinated? Check details
The ATP Cup organizers on Tuesday said 18 of the world’s top 20 players will take part in the 16-country tournament in Sydney from Jan. 1-9, with Djokovic leading top-seeded Serbia.
The field is set. Who will lift the #ATPCup in 2022 🏆 pic.twitter.com/mp0kW6vY1E
— ATP Tour (@atptour) December 7, 2021
In case, Novak Djokovic has not been fully vaccinated and he still wants to play, he will have to undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine after the New South Wales state government applies for an exemption for the 34-year-old.
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic named in Serbia’s ATP Cup squad, will World No 1 get vaccinated? Check details
Djokovic hadn’t publicly committed to defending his Australian Open title at Melbourne Park or revealed his vaccination status, with a mandate that he needs to be double-vaccinated to play.
While the ATP Cup doesn’t have the same entry criteria, his inclusion for the ATP Cup means he now appears likely to chase a 10th title and 21st Grand Slam singles title at Melbourne Park, which would break a tie for major singles wins with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Here are your 2022 #ATPCup groups. Who’s your pick? 🌎
Comment below 👇 pic.twitter.com/gActBUCQfA
— ATP Tour (@atptour) December 7, 2021
To play without being vaccinated in Sydney, the New South Wales state government would have to apply for an exemption for Djokovic and the 34-year-old would have to undergo 14 days of quarantine upon arrival.
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic named in Serbia’s ATP Cup squad, will World No 1 get vaccinated? Check details
Serbia will start favorite in Group A, which will also features Norway, Chile and Spain. World No 6 Nadal hasn’t been included in Spain’s lineup.
The ATP Cup will be played in Sydney at Ken Rosewall Arena and the tennis stadium at Sydney Olympic Park.
The Australian Open begins Jan. 17.
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic named in Serbia’s ATP Cup squad, will World No 1 get vaccinated? Check details