FILE– November 27, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in motion throughout his match towards Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
MELBOURNE—The Australian Open’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate is about defending the neighborhood, not about “blackmailing” Novak Djokovic, a state authorities official mentioned on Wednesday.
Organizers of the yr’s first Grand Slam have mentioned all gamers must be vaccinated to participate, drawing criticism from world primary Djokovic’s father.
“Beneath these blackmails and situations, (Djokovic) most likely gained’t (play),” Srdjan Djokovic instructed Serbian media.
Victoria sports activities minister Martin Pakula mentioned the vaccine mandate utilized to all athletes within the southern Australian state, which hosts the Australian Open in Melbourne.
“In the event you’re a visiting worldwide tennis participant, or a visiting sportsman of any type, it’s about your duty to the neighborhood that you’re being welcomed into,” Pakula instructed Australian media.
“And that’s why we’re asking these worldwide tennis stars to observe the identical necessities as Victorians are.
“It’s not about blackmail, it’s about ensuring the Victorian neighborhood is protected.
“I need to make it clear that I actually hope that Novak Djokovic will get vaccinated and performs within the Australian Open.
“But when he chooses to not, that’s a matter for him.”
Djokovic has gained 9 Melbourne Park titles, together with this yr’s match, and shares the file of 20 males’s Grand Slams with Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal.
He has refused to reveal his vaccination standing, saying it was a matter of private selection.
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