Novak Djokovic sent vaccine warning over Australian Open deadline – ‘Running out of time’

Novak Djokovic celebrates Serbia's WC qualification

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Novak Djokovic is running out of time to confirm his participation at the Australian Open. Organisers of the tournament have made the decision to only allow players that have been vaccinated against Covid-19 to play and the Serb is yet to confirm his vaccination status, placing his presence in Melbourne in doubt.

Djokovic, a record nine-time Australian Open winner, has publicly criticised policies surrounding the vaccine – including mandates – in the past.

The world number one has refused to confirm whether he is vaccinated or not, and maintained the question marks surrounding his attendance at the opening Grand Slam of the year.

After losing to Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals of the ATP Finals in Turin on Saturday, Djokovic was asked if he would be competing in Melbourne and he said: “We’ll have to wait and see.”

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley declared time is running out for the 20-time Grand Slam champion to decide if he wants to get vaccinated.

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“At the end of the day, you want to give everyone the best possible chance to get in, and to do it within the parameters which we can” Tiley said.

“We’ve got to still process the visa, and also process the exemption.

“Time is running out, and obviously you can get one vaccination – the Johnson & Johnson shot – but if you need a double vaccination, that window between the two vaccines is really closing.”

Former Australian tennis star Todd Woolbridge recalled the entry date for the Australian Open and implied the Serbian is under pressure to make a decision. 

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“His team have been well aware of this,” the 16-time Grand Slam men’s doubles champion told WWOS radio.

“The Australian Open entry list closes six weeks in advance of the tournament, so that’s December 6.

“But the reality is if he wants to have preparations in Australia, he’s going to have to have had that jab probably this week.”

Woodbridge added that Djokovic’s absence from the Australian Open could tarnish his legacy as not only the greatest player of all time but the best of this generation.

In order to play in Melbourne, Djokovic would have to fly between December 27 and January 3 as well as providing a negative Covid test result upon arrival in the country.

After defeating Djokovic, Zverev went on to beat Daniil Medvedev 6-4 6-4 in the final on Sunday. 

The German insisted that, while it would be easier to win his first Grand Slam if Djokovic is absent from proceedings, he wants the Serb to play: “Hopefully the Australian government will make an exemption or whatever it is that they can do for him to be able to participate there.”

The Australian Open begins on January 17 and concludes on January 30. 

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