‘I really hope he gets there,’ Andy Murray on the uncertainty regarding Novak Djokovic’s participation at Australian Open 2022


‘I really hope he gets there,’ Andy Murray on the uncertainty regarding Novak Djokovic’s participation at Australian Open 2022

Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic

Andy Murray, three time Grandslam champion has had several battles with Novak Djokovic in the last decade. One of the majors where the duo often clashed was at the Australian Open. Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have faced each other four times in the finals in Melbourne, with the Serbian winning on all occasions, taking his total tally to a record nine titles.

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However, Novak Djokovic’s presence at Australian Open 2022 remains in serious doubt over vaccination concerns. It is known that players will have to be vaccinated in order to compete in the first slam of the year. The 34-year-old Serbian has not yet revealed his vaccination status, and going by his stance on the covid-19 vaccine, it is unlikely that he will feature in Australia.

Novak Djokovic’s name did feature on the official entry list which was announced this week. Andy Murray hopes to see Novak defend his title in Melbourne next year, and expressed his uncertainty regarding the entire subject.

Novak Djokovic’s record in Australia is phenomenal: Andy Murray

Andy Murray, who has been on the receiving end of Novak Djokovic’s domination in the Melbourne Park believes that Novak’s absence could be a big blow. The Serbian won three majors this year, drawing level with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer’s record of 20 slams. Murray believes that it would be a shame if Novak cannot compete to win his 21st slam.

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“ I don’t know what the situation is with Novak. The last time I heard back on the subject, I found out he was on the Australian Open entry list. So I’m assuming he’s going to play and therefore he’s been vaccinated . We were told that was the rules – if you want to play you have to be vaccinated – so I guess that’s what happened,” said Murray as quoted by We Love Tennis.

“At the end of the day, everyone wants all the best players to play in the biggest events. This is what makes the events more interesting and we also know that Novak will also try to win and break the record by winning a 21st Slam. His record there is phenomenal, so I really hope he gets there,” he added.

One can only wait as to the official announcement, by either Tennis Australia or Novak Djokovic. As things stand, Novak’s name is on the entry list for the first slam of the year, which makes one believe that he will defend his title in Melbourne.

Also Read: ‘There won’t be a new Big 3!’ Juan Carlos Ferrero speaks on the dominance of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic

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