Novak Djokovic could be bidding for a record-breaking twenty first Grand Slam title if he takes half in the Australian Open. (AP Image)
Only totally vaccinated and a ‘very restricted quantity’ of gamers who obtain medical exemption can compete at the Australian Open subsequent yr.
- IANS Athens
- Last Updated: December 27, 2021, 14:27 IST
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World No. 4 tennis participant, Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas mentioned on Monday that he respects Serbian Novak Djokovic’s determination to maintain his vaccination standing non-public, including that the world No. 1 has the “freedom to decide” whether or not he desires to compete at the Australian Open or not.
World No. 1 Djokovic has stored the Australian Open organisers in the darkish about his COVID-19 vaccination standing, and with the winner of 20 Grand Slam titles withdrawing from the multi-nation ATP Cup in Sydney from January 1, 2022, he has added to the thriller of his participation in the opening main of the yr.
Only totally vaccinated and a ‘very limited number’ of gamers who obtain medical exemption can compete at the Australian Open subsequent yr.
Djokovic, the nine-time Australian Open winner, can be the defending champion at Melbourne Park. The Australian Open commences on January 17.
Tsitsipas, who will likely be competing at Melbourne Park after dropping his reservations over getting vaccinated, mentioned on Monday that, “It is his (Djokovic’s) choice, I respect it. Everyone has the freedom to decide. I will go to Australia.”
“I don’t promote vaccination, but I’m not even against it. I support anyone who wants to do it. I am not a doctor, I am an athlete and my outlook may not be the best when it comes to medicine. I will be vaccinated this year,” Tsitsipas advised Sky Sport.
“I do it to have a normal life,” Tsitsipas advised Greek TV ANT1.
Tsitsipas, who’s recovering from an elbow damage which hampered him throughout the Paris Masters and compelled his early pull-out from the ATP Finals, mentioned that he had recovered.
“My elbow is fantastic. I am sure I will be 100 per cent back. The goal is definitely to go even higher. I hope the preparation goes well and that the New Year will be three times better than this season,” Tsitsipas mentioned.
“In Paris the pain was unbearable so I had to quit from that game, I’ve never retired in a match — it was very painful for me to let the crowd down and not play that match,” Tsitsipas mentioned about the ATP Finals.
“But, I had to, it was for my safety, my well-being, and I don’t regret doing that.”
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