Tennis: Djokovic will ignore the ATP Cup

Will play, will not play?

World No.1 Novak Djokovic, who refuses to say whether or not he has been vaccinated against Covid-19 and maintains doubts about his participation in the Australian Open, will not play the ATP Cup (1st- January 9) in Sydney, the Serbian newspaper Blic reported on Saturday, citing those around him.

“Novak won't go to the ATP Cup at 99%.

He trains here (Editor's note: in Belgrade), but he decided to ignore this tournament, ”explained a“ source close ”to Djokovic to the online edition of Blic.

According to the daily, Djokovic, 34, is currently in Belgrade where he takes care of his foundation, trains and spends time with his family.

The ATP Cup, a nation-wide event organized by the ATP, marks the start of the new season on the men's circuit.

In search of a 21st major title

Djokovic still leaves doubts about his participation in the Australian Open (January 17-30), a Grand Slam tournament that he has won nine times, including the last three editions, and where he could try to win a 21st major title record.

To be allowed to return to Australia and participate in the tournament, players, their entourage and members of their management must be vaccinated.

According to Blic, "Nole" should probably announce before the end of the year his decision on his participation in the first Grand Slam tournament of the year.

His father Srdjan had declared at the end of November on Serbian television that Djokovic would "probably not" go to the Australian Open, denouncing a "blackmail" of the organizers.