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Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates with the trophy after winning his last game against Russian Daniil Medvedev on February 21, 2021. (Photo: Reuters / Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
MELBOURNE: World number one Novak Djokovic said on Tuesday (January 4th) that he would defend his Australian Open title later this month at Melbourne Park after receiving a medical exemption from vaccination against COVID-19.
Djokovic, who refused to divulge his COVID-19 vaccination status, previously said he was unsure whether he would be at the Grand Slam due to concerns about Australia’s quarantine rules would compete.
« I spent a fantastic time with my loved ones during the break and today I’m going to Down Under with a special permit. Let’s go in 2022, » said the Serbian player on Instagram.
The organizers of the Australian Open, which will start on January 17th, stipulated that all participants must be vaccinated against the coronavirus or receive a medical exemption from an independent jury of experts.
Djokovic z o withdrew from the Serbian team for the ATP Cup in Sydney to raise doubts about his participation in the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne.
« I am ready to live and breathe tennis in the next few weeks of competition . Thank you everyone for your support, « added Djokovic in his statement, which was accompanied by a picture of him at an airport.
Djokovic has won a record of nine Australian Open titles, including the last three, and is in the list of all times in 20 majors with Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal in a three-way battle.
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