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The state of Victoria, where the Grand Slam event takes place in
Melbourne, has introduced a vaccine mandate for professional
athletes, although authorities have not yet clarified what the
requirement will be for those coming from abroad.
"Things beings as they are, I still don't know if I will go to
Melbourne,” Djokovic told the online edition of Serbian daily
Blic.
“I will not reveal my status whether I have been vaccinated or
not, it is a private matter and an inappropriate inquiry.
“People go too far these days in taking the liberty to ask
questions and judge a person. Whatever you say 'Yes, no, maybe,
I am thinking about it', they will take advantage."
Djokovic has won the season's opening Grand Slam a record nine
times, including the last three editions.
The 34-year-old last competed at the U.S. Open, where his bid to
complete the calendar slam -- winning all four majors in the
same year -- was ended by Russian Daniil Medvedev in the final.
Djokovic, who is tied with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on a
record 20 Grand Slam titles, said he plans to compete in the
Paris Masters, the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin and the
Davis Cup before the end of 2021.
"Of course I want to go, Australia is my most successful Grand
Slam tournament. I want to compete, I love this sport and I am
still motivated,” he said.
"I am following the situation regarding the Australian Open and
I understand the final decision (on COVID-related restrictions)
will be made in two weeks. I believe there will be a lot of
restrictions just like this year, but I doubt there will be too
many changes.
“My manager, who is in contact with the Australian Tennis
Federation, tells me they are trying to improve the conditions
for everyone, both for those who have been vaccinated and those
who have not."
(Reporting by Zoran Milosavljevic, writing by Alasdair
Mackenzie, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
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