Novak Djokovic’s father has said that it is unlikely his son will defend his title at The Australian Open in January. Unvaccinated players have been banned from competing in the first grand slam of the year. Djokovic has declined to reveal his status.
Srdjan Djokovic told Serb TV:
“Under these blackmails and conditions, he probably won’t play. I wouldn’t do that. And he’s my son, so you decide for yourself. As far as vaccines and non-vaccines are concerned, it is the personal right of each of us whether we will be vaccinated or not.
No-one has the right to enter into our intimacy.”
According to BBC Sport:
World number one Djokovic has won the Australian Open a record nine times and is level on 20 Grand Slam wins with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Spaniard Nadal says he plans to play at the tournament, which runs from 17-30 January in Melbourne, but Federer will miss the event as he recovers from knee surgery.
Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley has said that 85% of professional players are vaccinated and he expects that figure to be “between 90-95%” by the time of the event at which fans and staff will also be banned if unvaccinated.
