Novak Djokovic may not compete in the 2022 Australian Open … because of the vaccines. The Serbian, current champion of the tournament, has been very critical in a interview granted to the Serbian daily Blic and where he doubts his presence in the tournament after the latest announcements made by the Victorian government, which could oblige all participants to be vaccinated. A measure that Djokovic has been opposing since the pandemic began.
Djokovic was adamant about not going to Australia, and believes that, unlike last year, many players could follow in his footsteps and not play in Melbourne. “The truth is that I do not know if I will play in the Australian Open, the situation is not good at all. We will make the final decision in two or three weeks. It’s a difficult situation, I don’t know how many players will travel to Melbourne this time. “
The Serbian was also reluctant to reveal if he has already been vaccinated against the coronavirus or if, on the contrary, he has not yet received the vaccine. “I find it incredible that society judges you based on a vaccine. I don’t want to participate in a war that the media is promoting. That is why I will not reveal whether I am vaccinated or not. “
Possible restrictions on unvaccinated tennis players
Tennis players who are not vaccinated against covid-19 will suffer restrictions if they wish to participate in the next edition of the Australian Open, the head of the government of Victoria, Daniel Andrews, warned this Tuesday.
The regional politician assured the media that there will be no exceptions for any of the athletes, that this year they already had to keep a period of isolation to play the tournament, whose next edition is scheduled to begin on January 17.
“I don’t think unvaccinated tennis players will get a visa to enter Australia and if they do, they will probably have to be quarantined for two weeks.While the vaccinated will not spend a period of isolation, “said Andrews.
Victoria authorities have quarantined Melbourne’s around 5 million residents since mid-August, the second most populated city in the country and where the Open is held.
The current champion of the tournament and current number 1 in the world rankings, Novak Djokovic is one of the tennis players who have avoided commenting on whether they are vaccinated or not.
When asked by the media about Djokovic, Andrews said that “the virus does not care about qualification or how many Grand Slam you have won. It is irrelevant.”
Victoria authorities intend to include athletes on the list of workers with compulsory vaccination.
While Andrews does not have visa competence, the head of the regional government hinted in his statements that he has the backing of Canberra.
During the pandemic Australia has canceled countless sporting events such as the Formula One and MotoGP Grand Prix, as well as rugby and golf tournaments. and the popular horse races.
The oceanic country, still working to achieve a high vaccination rate before reopening its borders, has already begun to allow the return of spectators, with limited capacity, to the sports stadiums.