Australian minister hits back at Novak Djokovic ‘blackmail’ claim

Novak Djokovic celebrates Serbia's WC qualification

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Australian minister Martin Pakula says the vaccine mandate is not in place to ‘blackmail’ Novak Djokovic. After a long period of speculation, it was confirmed that tennis players must be double-vaccinated if they wish to participate in the Australian Open tournament – which gets underway on January 17.

The Serbian world No 1 has spoken of his doubts regarding the vaccine and has refused to share his Covid jab status, leading many to think he may miss out on defending his title at the Australian Open.

The world number one’s father indicated that he ‘probably won’t play’ at the first grand slam of 2022 because of the tournament’s policy on vaccination against coronavirus, conditions he described as “blackmailing.”

Now the country’s sports minister has responded to his claims, stating they are in place to protect everyone who will be involved in the tournament. 

“If you’re a visiting international tennis player, or a visiting sportsman of any kind, it’s about your responsibility to the community that you are being welcomed into,” Pakula told Australian media.

“And that’s why we are asking those international tennis stars to follow the same requirements as Victorians are.

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“It’s not about blackmail, it’s about making sure the Victorian community is protected.

“I want to make it clear that I really hope that Novak Djokovic gets vaccinated and plays in the Australian Open.

“But if he chooses not to, that’s a matter for him.”

Earlier this week, Djokovic, who is representing Serbia at the Davis Cup, said he wasn’t currently in contact with Australian Open officials.

He said: “I haven’t been talking to them. I was just waiting to hear what the news is going to be. Now that I know, we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Djokovic, who is yet to reveal his vaccination status, added: “The freedom of choice is essential for everyone, whether it’s me or somebody else.

“Doesn’t really matter whether it’s vaccination or anything else in life. You should have the freedom to choose, to decide what you want to do. In this particular case, what you want to put in your body.”

Australian Open director Craig Tiley believes up to 95% of players will be vaccinated against Covid in time for the tournament, but even after speaking to Djokovic, he is unsure what he will decide to do.

“Novak has won nine Australian Opens, I’m sure he wants to get to 10,” Tiley added.

“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 feat to someone else.

​​”Today more than 85% are [vaccinated], We think by the time we get to January it will be between 90-95% vaccinated because if you’re not, you cannot play.”

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