In recent months, Novak Djokovic has been quite vocal about his sentiments towards the coronavirus vaccine, saying that he refuses to get it despite running the risk of missing various tournaments.
Now, following ongoing talks between the Australian government and Tennis Australia officials, the Serbian superstar may not be eligible to participate in the first Grand Slam of 2022.
According to Melbourne-based newspaper The Age, 'it is probable a separate vaccine mandate will be required for tennis stars to play in Melbourne.'
If this mandate does indeed come into effect and Djovokic is still unvaccinated, then the nine-time Australian Open winner will be forced to sit out of the 2022 edition of the tournament.
Regarding the matter, Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley is supposedly concerned about the fact that forcing players to get the vaccine would have a negative impact on the tournament itself.
Yet, an unnamed source told the Melbourne newspaper: “Tiley said we won’t get star players and the state government effectively said ‘suck it up.”
One of Djokovic’s former coaching staff members Craig O’Shannessy also came out and said that the Serbian reserves the right to decide whether he gets the vaccine or not.
“It’s Novak’s decision if he wants to get vaccinated. It’s his choice to participate in the Open if there is a mandate.”
Djokovic isn’t the only ATP heavyweight who is opposed to the vaccine, as Stefanos Tsitsipas continues to voice his concerns over the jab.
The Greek sensation said that he will only get vaccinated if it becomes mandatory on the ATP Tour.
Despite the resistance of the 2021 French Open finalists, British tennis legend Andy Murray has urged players to get vaccinated and do their part for greater good.
“The reason why all of us are getting vaccinated is to look out for the wider public.
"We have a responsibility, as players who are travelling across the world, to look out for everyone else as well.
"I'm happy that I'm vaccinated. I'm hoping that more players choose to have it in the coming months."
So far, 50% of the ATP is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as are 60% of the WTA Tour.