Novak Djokovic speaks out over Australian Open vaccine furore

·Sports Reporter

31 October 2021 at 6:27 pm·3-min read

Novak Djokovic (pictured) takes a break during training in Paris. — Novak Djokovic (pictured) isn't in a rush to commit to the Australian Open, due to the strict quarantine rules. (Getty Images)

World No.1 Novak Djokovic has addressed the rumours he might not travel to Australia for the first grand slam of the year due to the strict quarantine restrictions in place.

For weeks, Djokovic's participation at the Australian Open has been a talking point because he is yet to reveal his vaccination status.

WOW: Serena Williams shatters records with staggering $60,000 sale

'BAD MEMORY': Shock new twist in Novak Djokovic vaccine drama

'VERY SAD': Davis Cup call highlights truth about Nick Kyrgios

After a leaked email sent to WTA players, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed unvaccinated players would be free to contest the grand slam if they completed two weeks in hard quarantine.

However, Victorian premier Daniel Andrews slammed the door shut, insisting - just like unvaccinated fans - that un-jabbed players would not be allowed into Melbourne Park.

This has prompted Djokovic to address his fans and confirm he will wait for more details about restrictions before making a decision on travelling to Australia.

However, Djokovic said it wasn't just him weighing-up his participation.

"Well, I'm going to decide on whether I go to Australia or not after I see the official statement from Tennis Australia," Djokovic said, ahead of his Paris Masters campaign.

"Right now, we don't have any official announcement or statement. So until that's out, I won't be talking about this anymore, because I don't want to be part of the stories about the assumptions and what-ifs.

"When official condition requirements to travel to Australia and play in Australia are out, then obviously I'll see what I personally do with that, and also the bigger group of the players, you know, because the situation is obviously different in Australia than most parts of the world."

Novak Djokovic seeks year-end World No.1

Djokovic has committed to playing the Paris Masters, which will be his first tournament back since losing the US Open final.

While the hope of a historic golden slam dissipated after his loss to Daniil Medvedev, he is still trying to cap off a remarkable year and remain World No.1.

However, Medvedev is pushing the 20-time grand slam champ right till the finish line.

"The year-end No.1 is on the line between Medvedev and myself, and I'm in a pretty good position in terms of the ranking points and the race," Djokovic added.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured) speaks during a media conference. — Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured) claimed unvaccinated players could arrive in Australia, but would have to quaratine for two weeks. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images) (Brendon Thorne via Getty Images)

"So that's obviously the goal for the end of the season, other than trying to do well in the Davis Cup with the national team.

"So hopefully I can have a strong finish of the season and clinch that year-end No.1"

with AAP

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.