Novak Djokovic to Play in Australian Open, Organizers Say

The Australian authorities have said that any players participating in tournaments in the country must be vaccinated.

In October, Djokovic, the reigning champion and a nine-time winner of the Australian Open, told a Serbian news outlet that he might not attend the Australian Open because he would not reveal his vaccination status.

Last week, Mr. Djokovic’s father, Srdjan Djokovic, said that his son was unlikely to participate in the tournament “under these blackmails and conditions.”

Novak Djokovic’s remark in October set off rounds of contradictory statements between Australian government ministers and tournament organizers about entry requirements for international visitors.

The local news media reported on speculation that Tennis Australia, which hosts the Australian Open, would seek medical exemptions for unvaccinated players. The organization has denied those claims.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/07/world/australia/novak-djokovic-atp-cup.html