November 29, (THEWILL) – If restrictions around Covid-19 vaccines are not eased, Novak Djokovic’s father, Srdjan Djokovic, believes his son will not be able to compete in the Australian Open.
The organisers of the year’s first grand slam have announced that all players must be vaccinated in order to compete.
Djokovic has so far refused to say if he is vaccinated, and his father told Serbian television Prva that Tennis Australia’s attitude on vaccinations is equal to “blackmail.”
“Under these blackmails and conditions, he probably won’t play,” Djokovic Snr told TV Prava. “I wouldn’t do that, and he’s my son, so you figure out for yourself if he is going to play or not.”
Djokovic has been steadfastly noncommittal, and his father has a history of making bold predictions that do not always pan out.
Despite the quickly changing scenario surrounding the Omicron variation, Australian Open chief Craig Tiley insists the tournament will go ahead as planned.
Earlier this week, the tournament director stated that he expects up to 95% of professional players to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the time the Grand Slam begins in January, but he is doubtful if Djokovic would be one of them.
“Today more than 85 percent are (vaccinated),” Tiley said of professional players on Thursday. “And we take a lot of credit for that because we put a vaccination requirement on it.
“We think by the time we get to January it will be between 90-95 percent vaccinated because if you’re not, you cannot play.”
Melbourne health officials are reportedly considering imposing a 14-day quarantine for international visitors, which may cause major delays.
When asked about defending his Australian Open title at the ATP Finals, Djokovic refused to reveal his current situation, claiming that it was a matter of personal decision.
“The freedom of choice is essential for everyone, whether it’s me or somebody else,” Djokovic said. “Doesn’t really matter whether it’s vaccination or anything else in life. You should have the freedom to choose. In this particular case, what you want to put in your body.”
But, Tiley attempted to be persuasive and to appeal to Djokovic’s desire to win: “Novak has won nine Australian Opens, I’m sure he wants to get to 10. He’s on 20 Grand Slam titles as is Rafa Nadal, who is coming, and Roger Federer.
“One of them is going to surpass the other and I don’t think Novak would want to leave that… to someone else.”
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
