It is an announcement that must have relieved all fans of the world number 1. Yes, Novak Djokovic, the best player in the world at the moment, will be present on January 17 for the start of the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the season. Great news for tennis fans who already have to contend with the absence of Serena Williams and Roger Federer. Alongside Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev, the Serbian will therefore be one of the big favorites of this 2022 edition which promises to be disputed.
The vagueness around the participation of Novak Djokovic has persisted for a long time. Opposed to the vaccination requirement imposed by Tennis Australia for players wishing to participate in the Australian Open, the 34-year-old tennis player had hinted that he might not participate in the tournament, unless ‘a miracle … and this miracle happened as he revealed on his Instagram account. Followed by 9.6 million subscribers, Jelena’s husband just posted a photo of himself on the tarmac, ready to fly to Australia. All smiles, the father of two begins by wishing his fans a Happy New Year, before revealing the reason for his presence for the Grand Slam. “I had a great time with my loved ones during my break. I’m going to Australia with an exemption (editor’s note, on vaccination). It’s on for 2022! “, he exclaims.
The champion who has already won the Australian Open 9 times will therefore be in the game thanks to an exemption, which means that thewe still do not know the status of his vaccination status. A coup by the tennis player who managed to bend the organizers of the tournament and the government of the State of Victoria, yet very firm so far on this point. Proof of his stubbornness, Novak Djokovic did not participate in the ATP Cup which is currently being held in Australia for the same reasons. “The exemption was granted to him followinga rigorous review involving two independent panels of medical experts “, assured Tennis Australia following this news.