Novak Djokovic ended hypothesis of his Australian Open title protection by saying on Tuesday that he would take part within the season’s opening Grand Slam occasion after receiving a medical exemption from vaccination in opposition to COVID-19.
The world primary participant, who declined to reveal his vaccination standing, had earlier stated he was not sure whether or not he would attend the January 17-30 event in Melbourne as a result of issues over Australia’s quarantine guidelines .
“I have spent great quality time with my loved ones during the break and today I am going downstairs with relaxation allowed. Let’s go to 2022,” the Serbian stated on Instagram.
Organizers of the Australian Open had decided that each one contributors have to be vaccinated in opposition to the coronavirus or have a medical exemption given by an impartial panel of consultants.
Tennis Australia stated final month that the panel would come with docs from the fields of immunology, infectious illness and normal observe and the transfer was agreed with the Victoria Department of Health.
Applicants who go the preliminary stage shall be topic to a second evaluation, performed by a government-appointed panel, earlier than software is submitted to the Australian Immunization Register.
Djokovic’s father Sarjan advised a Serbian tv channel that his son would seemingly drop out of the Major, saying Tennis Australia’s stance on obligatory jobs was tantamount to “blackmail”.
Djokovic withdrew from Serbia’s squad for the ATP Cup in Sydney after elevating doubts over his participation within the first Grand Slam of the yr.
“I’m ready to live and breathe tennis in the next few weeks of competition. Thanks everyone for the support,” Djokovic added to his publish, which was accompanied by a photograph of him at an airport.
He heads to Australia after coaching in Marbella, Spain over the previous few days.
Tennis Australia didn’t instantly reply to a Reuters request for remark.
Djokovic has gained a document 9 Australian Open titles, together with the final three, and has a three-way tie at 20 majors with Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal on the all-time listing.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
