I think it’s getting pretty late: Australian Open CEO Craig Tiley on Novak Djokovic’s participation

Australian Open CEO Craig Tiley has revealed that they will have clarity on World no.1 Novak Djokovic’s participation in the coming days but also admitted it is getting pretty late as the tournament will begin on January 17. It was earlier announced by the Victoria government that all the players taking part in the Australian Open should be double vaccinated.

But, Djokovic had refused to reveal his vaccination status. Djokovic’s father Srdjan had labeled the vaccination rule as ‘blackmail’ and had raised doubts about his son’s participation.

However, hopes regarding Djokovic’s participation increased when he was named in Serbia’s ATP Cup team and he was also included in the entry list of the Australian Open.

But Djokovic decided to withdraw from the ATP Cup and Tiley said that everyone goes on the entry list and it is not the final list. However, Djokovic’s national teammate Dusan Lajovic revealed his partner is trying to get to the ‘Happy Slam’ and said: “he is waiting for a decision.”

Tennis Australia CEO Tiley told the Australian television program the Nine Network “We’ve still got a few charter flights coming in until the end of this week and then all the players will be here.

“As far as the status relates to Novak, I think we’ll have a much clearer picture in the coming days otherwise it’s getting pretty late to show up and play the Australian Open. “There’s quite a bit to play out and I think it will play out in the coming days.”

Meanwhile, if Novak Djokovic goes on to miss the Australian Open, it will be the first time since 1982 that a World no.1 will miss the first slam of the year. Former World No. 1 John McEnroe had missed Roland Garros back in 1982, which used to be the first major of the year during the 1980s.

On the other hand, Rafael Nadal had arrived in Australia to compete in the Happy slam after recuperating from Covid-19. The Australian Open will kickstart from January 17.