Novak Djokovic on US Open and Australian Open: "Wants to go anywhere I can play"
Novak Djokovic (ATP No. 7) would like to take part in the US Open 2022 and Australian Open 2023 - but he wants to avoid an "Australian saga" like this year.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Jul 15, 2022, 07:28 am
It is quite possible that the Wimbledon title in 2022 was the last really big title for Novak Djokovic this year. Because as of now, Djokovic should not be allowed to enter the USA as an unvaccinated person - even if he had recently been irritated that unvaccinated US players like Tennys Sandgren were also allowed to take part in the tournament.
Djokovic stated that he will not fly to the US without permission. "Of course, the Australian saga was not at all enjoyable for me," he said at the inauguration of a tennis facility in Visoko, Bosnia. However, Djokovic also clarified a common misconception: Many would believe he had fought his way to Australia without the necessary papers or an exemption. "That's not true. It was also proven at the trial. I would never enter a country without permission."
Novak Djokovic: "Respect everything and everyone"
Djokovic's Australia drama was mainly due to the fact that the state of Victoria and Tennis Australia had given him an exemption due to a recent corona infection, but Djokovic was not generally allowed to enter Australia. However, due to a procedural error during the entry process, there was a court dispute, which Djokovic initially won. However, due to public interest, Djokovic was still refused entry.
"I love Australia, I got my best Grand Slam results there. I hope I can be there." That also applies to New York. "I want to go anywhere where I can play tennis. I'm a tennis pro."
But, according to the 21-time major winner: "I have my point of view and I am a proponent that you can choose what is best for you," he alluded to his vaccination rejection. "I respect everything and everyone. And I at least expect people to respect my decision. If I have permission, I'll be there. If I don't, then I won't. Then it's not the end of the world either."
The extent to which the Australian drama weighed on him was still noticeable in Wimbledon, when Djokovic seemed very emotional after the win . "I always try to do things that make me calm and mentally balanced," he said in the aftermath. "But I'm only human, after all." And the aftermath of what happened in Melbourne affected him. But he hasn't carried this "emotional burden" with him for some time now. "Especially not with this win. I feel relieved."