What's next for Novak Djokovic?
Which tournaments does Novak Djokovic want to play in the coming weeks - and what do the tournament bosses say? An overview.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Feb 12, 2022, 12:52 pm
It has become quiet around Novak Djokovic in recent weeks after he had kept the entire world press in suspense - including outside of sport - before the start of the Australian Open. With the expulsion from Australia , Djokovic first smuggled himself in at home.
But what's next for the world number one? One thing is clear: without vaccination, it will be difficult for Djokovic to play the big tournaments. Because some of them have already announced that only vaccinated people are allowed on the site. And one would like to welcome Djokovic as such.
Djokovic is initially registered for the ATP 500 tournament in Dubai (February 21 to 26), vaccination is not yet requiredfor entry into the United Arab Emirates .
But after that it gets exciting: At the first Masters tournament of the year in Indian Wells (March 7th to 20th) , a COVID-19 vaccination is probably a prerequisite , and in general a full vaccination is required for entry into the USA . Only a few exceptions are officially granted , for Djokovic the only one that would be considered would be a contraindication to a corona vaccination (other exceptions relate to children, diplomatic trips, emergencies, etc.).
That would also apply to the subsequent Masters event in Miami (March 21 to April 3).
Where does Djokovic play on clay?
Where Djokovic wants to play in the following clay court season is still questionable. He could probably start at the Masters tournament in Monte Carlo (April 9th to 17th), but according to the current situation he would be able to travel to France with negative PCR tests . Djokovic lives in Monte Carlo, where tournament director Zeljko Franulic recently said that Djokovic had to comply with the state requirements. It is not yet known whether vaccinations are required to enter the grounds of the tournament itself.
Djokovic wants to comment in the coming days
Serbian media have also reported that Djokovic wants to start at the home tournament in Belgrade (April 18-24).
After Spain ( Madrid Open, May 1st to 8th) and Italy ( Rome , May 8th to 15th), Djokovic would also come with negative PCR tests, to what extent the tournaments themselves require vaccination to participate is still open.
Djokovic himself announced a few days ago that he wanted to comment on what was happening in Australia soon. Will he then also give an outlook on his planning - or even his vaccination status? One can be curious.