Novak Djokovic withdraws from ATP Cup next week, status for Australian Open remains unclear

The year’s first Grand Slam tournament has a vaccination mandate and the Serb has been evasive regarding his vaccination status

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Tennis - Davis Cup Semi-Finals - Serbia v Croatia - La Caja Magica, Madrid, Spain - December 3, 2021 Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts during his match against Croatia's Marin Cilic REUTERS/Susana Vera     TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Tennis - Davis Cup Semi-Finals - Serbia v Croatia - La Caja Magica, Madrid, Spain - December 3, 2021 Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts during his match against Croatia's Marin Cilic REUTERS/Susana Vera TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the team event ATP Cup, scheduled to begin January 1 in Sydney, putting his Australian Open status further in doubt.

The nine-time Australian Open champion is not dealing with any significant injuries, leading to more speculation about his vaccination status. The ATP does not have a vaccination mandate, but the Australian Open does.

“If Novak shows up at the Australian Open, he’ll either be vaccinated or he’ll have a medical exemption,” said Australian Open director Craig Tiley.

FILE PHOTO: Tennis - Australian Open - Men's Singles Photo Shoot - Brighton Beach, Melbourne, Australia, February 22, 2021  Australian Open champion Serbia's Novak Djokovic poses with the trophy during a photo shoot at Brighton Beach REUTERS/Loren Elliott/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Tennis - Australian Open - Men's Singles Photo Shoot - Brighton Beach, Melbourne, Australia, February 22, 2021 Australian Open champion Serbia's Novak Djokovic poses with the trophy during a photo shoot at Brighton Beach REUTERS/Loren Elliott/File Photo

Djokovic has been very coy about his vaccination status, refusing to answer if he is vaccinated against COVID-19.

Last month his father told Serb TV his son likely will skip the Australian Open and likened the tournament’s vaccination requirement to “blackmail.”

The Australian Open begins January 17 in Melbourne and Djokovic is currently on the tournament’s entry list.  Former champions Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are skipping the tournament due to injuries. The Serb is seeking a record 21st men’s Grand Slam title.

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