Australian Open: Novak Djokovic to withdraw from ATP Cup
Novak Djokovic has reportedly withdrawn from the ATP Cup as doubts escalate over his ability to compete in the Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic’s announced decision to skip the ATP Cup has cast further doubt on his participation in the Australian Open in January.
The ATP Cup, the team event that kicks off the men’s tennis calendar, takes place in Sydney from January 1-9, but the Serbian newspaper Blic reports that the world number one in men’s singles will not be attending.
“He is 99% sure that Novak will not go to the ATP Cup. He is training here (in Belgrade, Serbia), but he has decided to miss this tournament,” said an anonymous member of the team. Serbian. Blic.
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As Djokovic is entered in the Australian Open draw, a question mark hangs over his ability to participate in the tournament for months.
The Victorian government has imposed a Covid-19 jab warrant on athletes competing in the Australian Open, but Djokovic, who won the tournament last year, has so far refused to disclose his vaccination status.
“If Novak shows up at the Australian Open he will either be vaccinated or have a medical exemption,” Australian Open chief Craig Tiley said this week.
“Medically, he doesn’t tell anyone. I’m not going to ask Novak that, it’s none of my business. I will know that he meets one of these conditions.
If he traveled to Melbourne for the tournament, Djokovic would have the chance to win his 21st career Grand Slam and outdo his contemporaries Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
A spokesperson told NCA NewsWire that Tennis Australia is investigating Djokovic’s reported withdrawal from the ATP Cup.