Tennis: Novak Djokovic retires from ATP Cup in Sydney, team organizers confirm

SYDNEY (REUTERS, AFP) – World number one Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the Serbian team for the Sydney ATP Cup, the organizers of the men’s team event said on Wednesday (December 29).

“Serbia is now led by Dusan Lajovic, 33rd in the world,” they said in a statement.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion’s participation in the annual event and the Australian Open, which begins Jan. 17, has been heavily speculated after the 34-year-old, who opposes vaccinations, has repeatedly refused to say he has been vaccinated against Covid-19.

The organizers of the Australian Open have stipulated that all entrants must be vaccinated against the coronavirus or have a medical exemption granted by an independent panel of experts.

Serbia won the inaugural tournament in 2020, while Russia is the holder.

The nine-time Australian Open champion could win a record 21st Grand Slam title if he plays in Melbourne Park next month, but to get to Australia he and his entourage must be vaccinated.

He had previously expressed opposition to the vaccine, and his father, Srdjan, said in late November that Djokovic would probably not play in the first Grand Slam of the year and accused the organizers of “blackmail.”

Tennis Australia has run charter flights to bring international stars to Melbourne and Sydney for warm-up tournaments.

Naomi Osaka, who defended the Australian Open, was one of those who touched on Tuesday, but Djokovic was not present. Players can also fly ads.