ATP’s Latest Announcement Drops Major Hint on Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open 2022 Participation

Speculations have been rife lately regarding Novak Djokovic and his participation in the Australian Open next year. Djokovic finished 2021 as the end-of-year World No. 1 for a record seventh time in a row.

The Serbinator won three Grand Slams last year, with the exception of the US Open. He equaled Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in career Grand Slams. Hence, the Big Three now stand at 20 majors each.

Novak Djokovic might be chasing his 21st major in January

Tennis – ATP Finals – Pala Alpitour, Turin, Italy – November 19, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning his group stage match against Britain’s Cameron Norrie REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

Novak Djokovic has been in the news for his hesitation to reveal his vaccination status for the 2022 Australian Open. There have been travel restrictions on athletes in Australia, and Djokovic himself has had qualms regarding revealing his status.

Thus, it was unclear whether he would defend his title at the 2022 Australian Open. However, fans are now excited at the possibility of the Serbian champion playing in Melbourne.

This news comes as organizers have listed Novak Djokovic for the Serbian team in the international ATP Cup for January. The top-seeded Serbian team will be headed by none other than World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, as per the organizers.

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This definitely confirms Djokovic’s presence in Australia, even though the ATP Cup and the Australian Open have separate criteria for admission. Djokovic already holds a record nine Grand Slam titles in Melbourne.

.@DjokerNole‘s inclusion for January’s ATP Cup means he now appears likely to chase a record-breaking 21st major at the Australian Open.

Djokovic hadn’t publicly committed to defending his title in Melbourne, or revealed his vaccination status.

MORE: https://t.co/wh3iTWkbpw pic.twitter.com/nADu35mhT3

— TENNIS (@Tennis) December 7, 2021

Now, he could be looking to begin the 2022 season in an emphatic manner. He could do just that by finally holding the most number of Grand Slam men’s titles in the open era.

Djokovic will be looking to redeem Serbia

Tennis – Davis Cup Finals – Group F – Serbia v Austria – Olympiahalle, Innsbruck, Austria – November 26, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during his match against Austria’s Dennis Novak REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger

After Serbia’s loss and subsequent elimination against Croatia in the 2021 Davis Cup, Djokovic would be looking to win for his nation.

The elimination came in the doubles rubber of the Davis Cup. Novak and Filip Krajinovic lost to Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic of Croatia. Consequently, Croatia had gone on into the finals against Russia.

Not only could he begin the new season by keeping Serbia at the top seed of the ATP Cup, but he just might finish the tour in Australia with a historic, record-breaking 21 Grand Slam titles.

How January will play out for the Serbian and his national team, is something the entire tennis world is certainly waiting to watch.

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