Novak Djokovic: But for a record hunt for Melbourne?
Novak Djokovic keeps a secret about his participation in the Australian Open. Now there is more and more evidence that he is reaching for the record victory.
by SID / tennisnet
last edit: Dec 14, 2021, 07:01 pm
Novak Djokovic still keeps his secret. No clear announcement about the Australian Open, no information about his much-discussed vaccination status - whether the world number one will actually reach for his 21st Grand Slam title in Melbourne from January 17th, he still leaves it in the dark.
But bit by bit, a start of the tournament record winner is becoming more and more likely. Djokovic heads the entry list published last Wednesday for the first tennis highlight of the year, previously he had already been announced for the ATP Cup shortly after the turn of the year in Sydney. The speculation that the 34-year-old could possibly claim a special status despite reports to the contrary, meanwhile, persist. But the officials insist on the strict rules.
"Everyone must be fully vaccinated"
"Everyone is looking forward to the Australian Open, and everyone who takes part - spectators, players, officials, staff - everyone must be fully vaccinated," Victoria State Deputy Prime Minister James Merlino told local media: "Medical exceptions are accurate that - no loophole for privileged tennis players. "
Djokovic had spread his doubts about his participation himself - most recently on the sidelines of the ATP Finals in Turin, which Alexander Zverev won. "You should have the freedom to decide what you want to do," he said with a view to compulsory vaccination, as it applies to the Australian Open.
On the other hand, staying away would cost the man from Belgrade the next chance for an all-time high. Last year's champion could rise to the sole major record winner with his tenth triumph in Melbourne, ahead of Rafael Nadal (Spain) and Roger Federer (Switzerland / all 20 titles). It is Djokovic's primary goal.
Djokovic feels competition in the neck
In the second half of 2021, however, it became clear that the crowd of challengers had moved closer to the long-standing tour dominators. Zverev eliminated Djokovic at the Olympia in Tokyo and the ATP Finals, while the Russian world number two Daniil Medvedev clearly beat the favorites in the final of the US Open.
Djokovic is all the more eager to straighten the balance of power. Even at the Australian Open, which Serena Williams missed? The 23-time Grand Slam winner will not be fit in time for the title fights Down Under .