“Same for Everyone”: Australian Open 2022 Director Denies Special Treatment for Novak Djokovic

Ever since the completion of the ATP Finals last Sunday, eyes turned to Australian tennis summer next year, with different events planned meticulously by Tennis Australia. As the possibility of having the sport in full flow is exciting, the officials are also wary of the sudden changes that might have to be implement in view of the pandemic and its spread.

Tennis Australia CEO talks about player guidelines and also mentioned Novak Djokovic

Coming to tennis fans, the impending question remains to be about Novak Djokovic. The world no.1 is yet to announce his name for the season-opening Grand Slam. The Serb, who won the event for a record nine times, had remained tight-lipped about his participation in the tournament.

Meanwhile, tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley, in a recent interview to the Sydney Morning Herald, opened up about Djokovic while talking about the planned events in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney.

“Novak has made it clear that his status is private and personal to him. He is completely entitled to that position. However, to come into Australia, there will need to be certified approval of vaccination that gets cleared by medical officials here. That will be the same for everyone coming here”.

Tennis – Australian Open – Men’s Singles Final – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Tournament winner Novak Djokovic of Serbia and runner up Daniil Medvedev of Russia pose for a photo holding their trophies after their final match REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

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Tennis Australia is hopeful of 100% crowds next year

Tiley also revealed that full crowds are expected for all the planned tournaments.

“At this point, the plans are going ahead as they are.we are looking forward to 100% capacity crowds in January.The first chartered flight arrives in Australia on the 27th-28th of December”.

It’s a welcome sign to see full-fledged crowds on the tennis tour right from the start of the year. As far as Djokovic is concerned, the 20-time Grand Slam champion might not want to lose the opportunity of adding a 10th Australian Open crown to his name.

Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 18, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning his semi final match against Russia’s Aslan Karatsev REUTERS/Jaimi Joy

With Rafael Nadal willing to play the Grand Slam(no official confirmation), it will be a cracking couple of weeks for tennis fans as Australia sets the stage for what’s to come for the rest of the ATP season next year.

Also read: WATCH: What Novak Djokovic and Team Serbia Reveal in Playing ‘Never Have I Ever’

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