The 20-color Grand SLAM tournament winner Novak Djokovic wants to compete with the Australian Open with an exception. This announced the world ranking first on Tuesday. All a Happy New Year, wrote the 34-year-old Serb on Instagram: I spent a fantastic time with my loved ones in the break and today travel to Down Under. Let’s Go 2022 !!.

Almost two weeks before the start of the first grand slam tournament of the tennis season, the monthly speculation ends with the participation of the top star. The Australian Open in Melbourne start on January 17th. Only players and players who are vaccinated against the coronavirus or have received a medical exemption permit may participate.

Why is the Joker an exception?

The finial Melbourne winner Djokovic had always left his vaccination status openly. On his actually announced start at the currently running ATP Cup — the Team vent, which serves as a preparation — he had waived shortly.

With its announcement, the TopS tar now raises new questions: Why does he be an exception? Why do the organizers enable him — apparently as potentially unaffected — the chance of defending the title? We would like to see Novak lovingly here, but he knows he must be vaccinated to play, said tournament director Craig Tiles still said in November.

Federer pauses — Naval and Zeal there

Djokovic will try in Melbourne to decide the Australian Open for the tenth time. With his 21st Grand Slam title he would rise to the sole record holder. At the moment he shares the top mark with his rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Naval.

Novak Djokovic granted medical exemption to compete in the Australian Open
The Swiss Federer is still pausing due to his knee problems, the Spaniard Naval wants to compete for a positive Corona test just before Christmas at the Australian Open. For the first sporty tennis highlight of the season, the Hamburger Alexander Zeal has also set the title.