Novak Djokovic’s father claims he is being ‘blackmailed’ over Australian Open

Novak Djokovic celebrates Serbia's WC qualification

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Novak Djokovic’s father has slammed the “embarrassing” way he feels his son has been treated by officials in Victoria as the row over unvaccinated players being banned from the Australian Open in January rages on. Djokovic is one of several top players who have not publicly disclosed their vaccinations status, and so are doubts to appear in the competition.

The Serbian has regularly declined to reveal whether or not he has had the jab, while the likes of Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas were also keen on keeping quiet.

It seems the latter pair may have given in, with both suggesting on social media in recent days that they will be heading Down Under in the New Year.

But Djokovic appears to be fully committed to his personal privacy policy, even if it means he will be unable to defend his title in Melbourne.

And the tennis ace’s father has taken aim at officials in Australia over their vaccination policy, while repeating his son’s claims that medical privacy is his right.

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“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,” Srdjan Djokovic told TV Prva.

“Everyone has the right to decide on their health.

“Will he publish it? I don’t think so. I don’t know that decision either.

“And if I did, I wouldn’t share it with you. He has the right to decide as he wants.”

He went on to say his son would be desperate to compete in the tournament, but that he will not be strong-armed into complying with the vaccination criteria for competitors.

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“It was embarrassing because of the announcement of those leaders in the provinces of Australia, who gave themselves the right to call out the nine-time champion of Australia,” Djokovic Snr continued.

“Whether he will appear there depends on them how they will pose.

“He would want it with all his heart because he is an athlete, and we would love that too.

“Under these blackmails and conditions, he probably won’t. I wouldn’t do that. And he’s my son, so you decide for yourself.”

Srdjan Djokovic also questioned the tournament organisers’ decision not to recognise vaccines manufactured in China or Russia, while also questioning why a hotel room quarantine would not suffice for those who have not had the jab.

“People can be quarantined, but it should be in the hotel room for 14 days and not even come out in the hotel lobby,” he continued.

“Well, they came up with a great idea – let them play in the tournament then!

“And you have to accept the fact that not accepting this or that vaccine is ridiculous.

“All vaccines are made to protect this world, but whoever does not accept being vaccinated – that is his personal right.”

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