'It’s getting pretty late' - Clock ticking on Novak Djokovic Australian Open participation says tournament boss

ByIbrahim Mustapha

Published 02/01/2022 at 17:33 GMT

“As far as the status relates to Novak, I think we’ll have a much clearer picture in the coming days." Craig Tiley, the CEO of Tennis Australia, is hoping to clear up the mystery over whether the defending champion will take part in this year's event in Melbourne. The Serb's vaccination status remains unclear.

Novak Djokovic’s participation at the Australian Open remains in doubt, according to the tournament organisers.

The world No. 1’s Covid-19 vaccination status is still unclear with the player refusing to reveal whether he has had the necessary jab required to compete in Australia.

Having pulled out of Serbia’s ATP Cup team competing in Melbourne this week, the mystery over whether he will defend his title this year has intensified.

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Now, head of Tennis Australia, Craig Tiley, has hinted that a resolution does not seem close ahead of the tournament beginning on January 17.

"We’ve still got a few charter flights coming in until the end of this week and then all the players will be here,” Tiley told the Nine Network.

"As far as the status relates to Novak, I think we’ll have a much clearer picture in the coming days.

Otherwise, it’s getting pretty late to show up and play the Australian Open.

"There’s quite a bit to play out, and I think it will play out in the coming days.”

'Djokovic is trying to get to Australian Open' - Lajovic at ATP Cup

Djokovic has won the Australian Open nine times and hopes to improve on his 20 Grand Slams in total – a record he shares with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

There has been speculation the Serbian star will apply for a medical exemption in order to compete at the tournament.

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