Much ado about not much.

While the doubt hovered around the participation of Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open for health reasons, the name of the world number one appeared on Wednesday on the list of participants in the first round of the Grand Slam.

In the ladies, Serena Williams, too tight physically, will not be there.

The Serbian, winner of 20 Grand Slam tournaments, had cast doubt on his participation in the Australian Open next January, refusing to say if he was vaccinated, when he must be to enter the country.

Already Tuesday, the name of Djokovic appeared among those of the players who will defend the colors of Serbia for the ATP Cup, the competition between ATP nations, organized in early January in Sydney.

The 34-year-old Serb, refractory to vaccination, refuses to say if he is vaccinated against Covid-19, an obligation to participate in the Melbourne Major.

His father Srdjan had recently said on Serbian television that "Nole" would "probably not" go, denouncing a "blackmail" by the organizers.

Rafa will also be there

The latter, before the revelation of the players who should participate in the tournament, once again confirmed that all players, their entourage and members of their management should be vaccinated to participate in the Open.

"Any request for exemption will have to follow the strict requirements of the government", also added the Australian federation.

Among the players announced against Djokovic is Rafael Nadal, also in search of a 21st Grand Slam title, but not Roger Federer.

Also holder of 20 crowns in Grand Slam, the Swiss had already announced that he would not take part in the tournament.

Serena Williams absent

Ditto for Serena Williams in the female table.

In search of a 24th Grand Slam title that would allow her to equal Margaret Court's record, the American will not be in Melbourne in January.

She explained that she had given up by following the advice of her medical staff.

"It's not an easy decision to make, but I'm not where I should be physically," she said, quoted in a statement from the organizers.

Sport

ATP Cup: Novak Djokovic selected to play in Sydney tournament

  • Sport

  • Novak Djokovic

  • Vaccine

  • Tennis

  • Australian Open

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