Djokovic to 'wait and see' before AO commitment

2 years ago 227

Novak Djokovic says he's going to person to "wait and see" if helium plays the Australian Open aft tourney main Craig Tiley confirmed that everyone who attends the archetypal Grand Slam tennis tourney of 2022 volition request to beryllium afloat vaccinated for COVID-19 — including each the players.

Djokovic, a nine-time Australian Open champion, has refused to accidental if he's vaccinated — oregon if helium intends to get vaccinated.

"We'll see. We'll person to hold and see," Djokovic said aft getting bushed by Alexander Zverev successful the semifinals of the ATP Finals connected Saturday — marking his last lucifer connected circuit this year.

"I haven't been talking to them, to beryllium honest," Djokovic added. "I was conscionable waiting to perceive what the quality is going to beryllium and present that I cognize we'll conscionable person to hold and see."

If helium does spell to Australia, Djokovic tin effort to interruption a necktie with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal and triumph a grounds 21st Grand Slam singles title.

The tourney is scheduled for January 17-30. The Victorian authorities authorities had earlier said lone vaccinated persons would beryllium allowed into the tract for the tournament, and Tiley reiterated that connected Saturday.

"Everyone connected site, the fans, each the staff, the players, volition request to beryllium vaccinated," Tiley said astatine the tournament's authoritative launch. "There's been a batch of speculation astir Novak's position, he's said it's a backstage matter.

"We would emotion to spot Novak here, but helium knows helium needs to beryllium vaccinated successful bid to play. He's ever said that the Australian Open is the lawsuit that puts the upwind successful his sails."