The organizers of the Australian Open have confirmed world number one Novak Djokovic as a participant in the Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne, despite his silence on his own vaccination status.
The Serb is next to the tennis world number one Ashley Barty "at the top of the outstanding player fields", it said on Wednesday in a message from the organizer.
The Australian Open starts on January 17th.
The news is surprising insofar as Djokovic had repeatedly shown himself to be a vaccine skeptic in the past few weeks and months. He had also complained repeatedly about public pressure to get vaccinated. Behind media reports that criticized him for this attitude, he recently sensed "Propaganda (...) that suits the elite or a certain group of people."
There is speculation in the Australian media that Djokovic could now apply for a special permit to start the first Grand Slam of the new year and defend his title.
Only fully vaccinated players are allowed to take part in the tournament, but Djokovic leaves open whether this is also the case with him, referring to privacy.
The world number one has in any case recovered from a corona disease last year.
Tennis Australia had previously confirmed that every athlete must meet the strict requirements of the health authorities.
"This includes a certified vaccination certificate or a valid medical exemption that has been approved by the Australian health authorities," said the umbrella organization, according to local media.
Deputy Prime Minister James Merlino said there were only a limited number of reasons for a waiver.
“Everyone is looking forward to the Australian Open and everyone who will be attending - spectators, players, officials, staff - is expected to be fully vaccinated.
These are the rules.
Medical exceptions are just that - it's not a loophole for privileged tennis players, ”Merlino said, according to ABC.
"It is a medical exception under exceptional circumstances when you have an acute illness."
The organizers of the ATP Cup had previously announced on Tuesday that Djokovic was part of the Serbian team for the team competition from January 1st to 9th in Sydney.
That would also make the 34-year-old likely to take part in the Australian Open.
Unlike Djokovic, Serena Williams is missing on the registration list for the Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne.
The American is still grappling with the aftermath of a hamstring injury that forced her to give up at Wimbledon.
"Although this decision is never easy to make, I am not where I physically have to be to take part in competitions," said the 40-year-old.