"
There is not much time
" between now and the US Open.
Novak Djokovic was very uncertain about his participation in the American Grand Slam on Monday in Belgrade where thousands of people gave him a triumphant welcome the day after his 7th title at Wimbledon.
"
At the moment I can't go to the United States (...), I hope for positive news (...) but there is not much time (until the US Open), I don't know, hope is what dies last
,” he said on national television (RTS).
Refusal to get vaccinated
The Serb risks not being able to play the US Open, which begins on August 29, because he refuses to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
"
I would like to play the US Open (...) but if that doesn't happen, it's not the end of the world, nor the first Grand Slam that I will be forced to give up
," he explained. , before adding that his priority was "
to stay in good physical and mental health because then I can play for a long time and other opportunities will certainly arise
".
Novak Djokovic ZORANA JEVTIC / REUTERS
Novak Djokovic still green at Wimbledon
21st Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, one length short of Nadal's record
Knowing that he may not be able to travel to Australia either for the first round of the Grand Slam in Melbourne in early 2023, Djokovic nevertheless said he hoped that by then, "
things could take a positive turn
", which would allow him to be able to compete in the Australian Open.
Previously, addressing the thousands of people who came to cheer him on, chanting "
Nole, Nole
" (short for his name, editor's note), many waving Serbian flags, Djokovic promised new trophies.
“
Of course, there will be new occasions to celebrate
,” he told the crowd.
"
I was asked, when talking about my records, what was my favorite number and I quoted one of my idols who is no longer with us, Kobe Bryant (who died in 2020 in a helicopter accident, editor's note), who told me: 'my favorite title is the following'
", added Djokovic.
With his victory on the London turf, the 35-year-old Serb collects his 21st Grand Slam title, and is one step closer to Rafael Nadal's record, now surpassing his other great rival, Roger Federer, by one title.