‘If Novak Djokovic doesn’t get fully vaccinated, then he can’t play the 2022 Australian Open,’ warns Victorian Mayer Daniel Andrews
Novak Djokovic
Just a few days ago, Victoria Mayor Daniel Andrews announced that every athlete intending to play the 2022 Australian Open will need to be fully vaccinated. Andrews also announced that if a player fails to abide by the guidelines, he/she will not be allowed to participate in the opening Grand Slam of the year.
Now, the Victoria Mayor has also warned World No.1 Novak Djokovic on how he will be forced to squander his title in Melbourne, if he relents from taking the Covid-19 vaccine.
As most tennis fans would be aware, the Serbian superstar has publicly opined about his reluctance to take the dose, for various health reasons. Whether or not the 34-year-old reconsiders his decision, Djokovic’s numero uno status in tennis will not buy him an entry to Australia as per Andrews.
“Those titles (20 Grand Slams) won’t protect you either, the only titles that’ll protect you is that you are able to say that you have had your first dose and you have had your second dose,” Andrews confirmed to the reporters in Melbourne.
“Logic and numerous conversations with the Prime Minister tell me that if you are an Australian citizen, you will be allowed home if you haven’t had the jab,” Andrews further explained.
“But if you’re coming on a tourist visa or a business visa, so you’re not an Aussie. You are coming to visit – the notion of you getting in here without being vaccinated, I think, is very, very low.”
Time for Djokovic to respond
The 20-time Grand Slam champion is perhaps one of the few leading players on the men’s tour to oppose the vaccine. Given that Djokovic has dominated the Australian Open by winning it on nine separate occasions, it will be interesting to see how the Serb responds.
Meanwhile, Mayor Andrews has left the decision entirely on Djokovic’s shoulders. “It’s Novak’s decision if he wants to get vaccinated. It’s his choice to participate in the Open if there is a mandate.”
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Vivek Krishnan
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