Unvaccinated Grand Slam champion out of Australian Open as Novak Djokovic doubts remain

Novak Djokovic celebrates Serbia's WC qualification

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Five-time Grand Slam champion Pierre-Hugues Herbert has ruled himself out of the Australian Open as he is yet to get vaccinated against Covid. It comes as world No 1 Novak Djokovic still remains in doubt to play the season-opening Grand Slam despite putting his name down on the entry list, as he refuses to disclose his vaccination status. Tournament officials confirmed that full vaccination would be mandatory for all players last month.

After months of speculation over a vaccine mandate at January’s Australian Open, tournament director and Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley confirmed on November 21 that all players would need to be fully vaccinated in order to compete.

“There’s a lot of speculation about vaccination and just to be really clear, when the Premier announced that everyone on site will need to be vaccinated, we made that clear to the playing group,” he confirmed last month.

Now, doubles champion Pierre-Hugues Herbert has confirmed that he will not be playing as he is not yet vaccinated.

The Frenchman, who has won five Grand Slam titles alongside compatriot Nicolas Mahut, revealed he had made a “personal choice not to be vaccinated” that would keep him from the season-opening Major tournament.

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His partner Mahut, who will pair with another Frenchman in Fabrice Martin for the tournament instead, said he had been aware of Herbert’s decision for two months but was weary it could impact the 30-year-old’s eligibility for other events in the tennis calendar.

“He had already started his reflection during the US Open,” the 39-year-old told L’Equipe.

“[Herbert] told me his decision in Antwerp (in October). He does not want to be vaccinated, at least not now, and he measures the consequences of his decision.

“He is well aware that this could seriously complicate his season. The question arises in particular for the trip to Indian Wells and Miami (in March).”

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Mahut admitted he respected his partner’s decision, but questioned whether Herbert would eventually get vaccinated if it continued to impact his playing career.

He continued: “I disagree with people who judge and who say that it is good or bad. I respect his decision. I didn’t make that choice, I got vaccinated very early on, but I totally understand. It’s a very personal choice.

“I do not know to what extent he will hold his convictions. To what extent it risks undermining him and preventing him from carrying out his job.

“When I say that I refuse to go play in China to support Peng Shuai, it’s easy, it doesn’t impact my season. Him, on the other hand, can put his season in danger [with this decision].”

Herbert’s announcement comes as Djokovic could be set to follow in the Frenchman’s footsteps and withdraw over his vaccination status.

The world No 1 has put himself on the entry list but has been subject to months of speculation over his participation as he refuses to disclose whether or not he has been jabbed, and in October told Serbian newspaper Blic: “I don’t know if I’m going.”

He is yet to confirm his vaccination status, with his name on the entry list serving as the biggest hint so far, though there has been reports Djokovic is looking to get a medical exemption to allow him into the country without being jabbed.

When asked whether he would play in Melbourne, the 20-time Major champion told reporters at recent tournaments “we’ll see” and “you’ll know very soon” but did not confirm his participation.

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