(ANSA) – ROME, NOV 29 – The controversy continues over the possible absence of Novak Djokovic at the next Australian Open. According to his father, Srdjan Djokovic, the current number one in the world is unlikely to take part in the first Grand Slam of 2022 unless the rules on vaccinations against Covid-19 are relaxed.
Djokovic has always refused to reveal whether or not he is vaccinated against Covid and in the last few days the director of the tournament, Craig Tiley, announced that non-immunized players will not be able to compete at the event scheduled from 17 to 30 January in Melbourne. “He would like to play with all his heart because he is an athlete” but “with these blackmail and these conditions, he probably won’t do it – said Srdjan Djokovic on Serbian TV -. I wouldn’t do it, but it’s my son who has to decide for himself” . “As far as vaccines are concerned, it is a personal right of each of us to be vaccinated or not”, said Djokovic senior himself in the interview with Prva TV reported by the Serbian website B92.
Tiley said 85% of pro players are vaccinated and expects that figure to be “between 90-95%” at the event, where fans and staff will also be banned if not vaccinated.
The world number one has won the Australian Open nine times and has 20 Grand Slam triumphs, like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard had announced his intention to play the tournament, while the Swiss will miss the event to recover from an operation on his right knee. (HANDLE).
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Source From: Ansa
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