MY ACCOUNT
Australian Open chief Craig Tiley wants Novak Djokovic to participate in Melbourne but will not ask the world number one to disclose any medical reason he has for being unvaccinated against COVID-19.
The first grand slam of 2022 begins on January 17, but it is unclear if reigning champion Djokovic will be competing.
The Serbian, a nine-time Australian Open winner, is yet to disclose his vaccination status.
Following guidance from the Victoria state government, all players, staff and spectators at Melbourne Park must have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus or hold a medical exemption.
Djokovic has been named on the list for the draw and is also due to represent Serbia at the ATP Cup in Sydney, which runs from January 1 to 9.
“If Novak shows up, he’ll be vaccinated or have a medical exemption,” Australian Open chief executive Tiley told the Australian Associated Press.
“If any player, fan [or] workforce is on site here, you’re either vaccinated or you have a medical exemption that’s approved and you’re on the Australian Immunisation Register.
“That provides us with safety and an extra level of comfort on site.
“We want to have the best players here; I’d love to have Novak here. If he meets those conditions then great, if not, it’s disappointing.”
Tiley added he does not expect Djokovic to reveal any medical reason for which he may not have received the vaccine, should he receive a medical exemption to feature in the tournament.
“Medically, he doesn’t talk to anyone about it. I’m not going to ask Novak that, it’s none of my business,” Tiley continued.
“[It’s] his choice on his medical condition, it’s his choice to keep personal and private like all of us would do with any condition we may or may not have. We are not going to force him or ask him to disclose that.
“[If he is here] I will know that he fulfils one of those conditions.”
Rafael Nadal is set to play in Melbourne, though that is in doubt after the Spaniard tested positive for COVID-19 this week, following his appearance at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Dubai.
Tiley, however, believes Nadal will have recovered in time.
“I’m confident Rafa will be here,” said Tiley. “Players that are testing positive now will complete a period of time until they are no longer infectious and they will be fine.
“If you are going to test positive and you want to play the Australian Open, your timing would be now.”
