Djokovic deflects vaccination question with "that's a private matter", leaves Australian Open future unsure

Novak Djokovic is currently in his native Serbia enjoying some time off from tennis with his family and in a rare interview with Serbian Blic, he deflected a question about his vaccination status.

The vaccination status of Novak Djokovic has been a very polarizing question in the tennis world ever since vaccination started around the world. Athletes around the world have been at the forefront involved in campaigns in order to encourage people to get vaccinated but Djokovic, who has a complicated history with vaccines, took a more neutral stance on the matter hoping to see it remain a private decision not imposed on the individual.

The ATP allowed its players to choose whether to get vaccinated or not while encouraging vaccination with the easing of certain restrictions not imposed on players who are vaccinated. The Australian Open went even further imposing a vaccination mandate on players mainly due to Australia's anti-COVID 19 measures which are famously harsh. Djokovic was singled out by Victoria Premier David Andrews who blatantly told him that he be denied entry into the country if he doesn't get vaccinated.

In an recent interview with Serbian newspaper Blic, Djokovic spoke on the matter saying:

"I'm following the situation regarding Australia and to my understanding, the final decision of the Victoria Government and Tennis Australia will come within the next two weeks, we are looking at the first or the second week of November."

He continued:

"I don't think something will significant will change compared to what we already know. As it was the case this year, we can expect a lot of restrictions. I have heard from my manager that Tennis Australia is trying to improve conditions for everyone -- vaccinated and unvaccinated players."

He then dropped the bombshell news sying:

"I don't know if I will go to Australia, I don't know what's happening. Right now, the situation isn't looking good."

When asked whether he got vaccinated Djokovic deflected the question with "That's a private matter".