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Novak Djokovic
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Luca Bruno / dpa
The organizers of the Australian Open have confirmed world number one Novak Djokovic as a participant in the Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne.
The Serb is next to the tennis world number one Ashley Barty "at the top of the outstanding player fields," it said on Wednesday on the website of the organizer.
The 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams, however, was missing.
The Australian Open starts on January 17th, and the country has a strict corona policy.
In Melbourne, where Djokovic is the record winner with nine titles, only vaccinated tennis professionals are allowed to play according to the requirements of the state of Victoria.
Djokovic had left his start and his corona vaccination status open.
He had said several times that this was a private matter.
Most recently, his father Srdjan Djokovic said on the Serbian television station Prva TV: "Under these extortions and circumstances, it is likely that he will not participate."
There is speculation in Australian media that Djokovic could apply for a special permit to start the first Grand Slam of the new year and defend his title.
The national association Tennis Australia, which organizes the Australian Open, initially left a request from the Reuters news agency open.
Tennis Australia had previously confirmed that every athlete must meet the strict requirements of the health authorities.
"This includes a certified vaccination certificate or a valid medical exemption that has been approved by the Australian health authorities," said the umbrella organization, according to local media.
»No loophole for privileged tennis players«
Deputy Prime Minister James Merlino said there were only a limited number of reasons for a waiver.
“Everyone is looking forward to the Australian Open and everyone who will be attending - spectators, players, officials, staff - is expected to be fully vaccinated.
These are the rules.
Medical exceptions are just that - it's not a loophole for privileged tennis players, ”Merlino said, according to the ABC.
"It is a medical exception under exceptional circumstances when you have an acute illness."
The organizers of the ATP Cup had previously announced on Tuesday that Djokovic was part of the Serbian team for the team competition from January 1st to 9th in Sydney.
That would also make the 34-year-old likely to take part in the Australian Open.
In Melbourne, Djokovic could overtake Swiss Roger Federer and Spaniard Rafael Nadal with his 21st Grand Slam title.
Hopes for Williams comeback ended
US tennis star Serena Williams, however, will not take part in Melbourne.
According to a message from the organizers, the renunciation in Australia is based on the advice of their doctors.
"Although this decision is never easy to make, I am not where I physically have to be to take part in competitions," Williams is quoted as saying.
The 40-year-old Williams sustained a thigh injury in her first-round match at Wimbledon and has since missed the Tokyo Summer Olympics and the US Open.
Williams is currently ranked 41st in the world.
ngo / Reuters / dpa
