Us Open: the dream of the Grand Slam fades for Djokovic, tournament in Medvedev
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October 19, 2021 - Victoria State Premier Dan Andrews said he does not provide for any exceptions to the Covid-19 vaccination rules for players attending the January Australian Open.
The participation of reigning champion Novak Djokovic is thus questioned, who has publicly expressed opposition to vaccines and refused to say whether or not he is vaccinated against the coronavirus.
"I don't think an unvaccinated tennis player will get a visa to enter this country," Andrews said. "The virus doesn't care what your tennis ranking is or how many Grand Slams you have won," he added. "And if they get a visa, they probably should be quarantined for a couple of weeks, when no other players should."
The Serbian tennis player, who returned to training after a long period of stoppage following the final lost at the US Open, took stock of his upcoming matches: "For now, I intend to play in Paris for the ATP1000, the Masters in Turin and the Davis Cup. This is my program until the end of the season. "
But the real unknown is Melbourne: "I don't know if I'll go - Djokovic told the Blic newspaper - Of course I want to go, Australia is my most successful Grand Slam. But on vaccines I take the position I take and I have always thought the same thing. I will not reveal my status, whether I have been vaccinated or not. It is a private matter and according to our law if someone asks you you can even report it. Too many people today allow themselves the freedom to ask for things and condemn a person. " . Djokovic accused the media of "spreading fear and panic among people, and I don't want to participate in that war".
Premier Andrews also said that anyone who wants to participate in the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix will need to be vaccinated.
"The Grand Prix is in April, I don't think there will be crowds of people who haven't been given a double dose yet," Andrews said.