Djokovic likely to skip Australian Open over vaccine mandate

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China Daily, November 30, 2021
Adjust font size:
Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates with the trophy after the men's singles final between Serbia's Novak Djokovic and Russia's Daniil Medvedev at Australian Open in Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, Feb. 21, 2021. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)

Novak Djokovic "probably won't" play the Australian Open in January over mandatory COVID-19 vaccination rules, the world No 1's father said on Sunday.

The 34-year-old Djokovic, who would be bidding for a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title in Melbourne, has refused to say whether or not he has been vaccinated.

But Australian Open chief Craig Tiley has said that all players must be inoculated to take part.

"Of course he would want to go with all his heart," Djokovic's father, Srdjan, told Prda TV.

"Because he is a sportsman and there are a lot of our people, the (Serbian) diaspora, there who would be delighted to see Novak. But I don't know if it will happen. Probably not under these conditions, with this blackmail."

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
ChinaNews App Download
Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter