BELGRADE: World number one Novak Djokovic again declined to reveal whether he was vaccinated against Covid-19 and said he was not sure he would defend his title at the Australian Open next year.
The state of Victoria, where the Grand Slam event takes place Melbourne, has introduced a vaccination mandate for professional athletes, although the authorities have not yet clarified what the requirements for people coming from abroad will be.
“As it is, I don’t know yet whether I’ll go to Melbourne,” Djokovic told the online edition of the Serbian daily Blic.
“I’m not going to reveal my status, whether or not I have been vaccinated, it’s a private matter and an inappropriate request.
“People go too far these days when they take the liberty of asking questions and judging a person. Whatever you say ‘yes no, maybe I’ll think about it’ they will take advantage of it. ”
Djokovic has won the inaugural Grand Slam of the season nine times, including the last three editions.
The 34-year-old last competed at the US Open, where his application for the calendar slam – he won all four majors in the same year – was ended in the final by Russian Daniil Medvedev.
Djokovic, who has a record of 20 Grand Slam titles with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, said he plans to compete in the Paris Masters, the season-end ATP finals in Turin and the Davis Cup before the end of 2021.
“Of course I want to go, Australia is my most successful Grand Slam tournament. I want to compete, I love this sport and I’m still motivated, ”he said.
“I am following the situation regarding the Australian Open and I understand that the final decision (on COVID-related restrictions) will be made in two weeks. I believe there will be a lot of restrictions like this year, but I doubt it will will be.” too many changes.
“My manager, who is in contact with the Australian Tennis Federation, tells me that they are trying to improve conditions for everyone, both those who have been vaccinated and those who have not.”