Djokovic's participation at Australian Open still in doubt despite entry list inclusion

Despite being named on the entry list for the 2022 Australian Open, Novak Djokovic may not compete at the event as "everyone goes on the list," according to tournament director Craig Tiley.

The defending champion's participation has been in doubt for several months now, as the Serbian has refused to make his vaccination status known. Health mandates require all players to be fully vaccinated in order to compete at Melbourne Park, with medical exemptions available for those who have experienced adverse reactions to vaccines or meet the other criteria listed.

Regardless, Djokovic was named on the provisional entry list for the first Grand Slam of the year, leading many fans to believe the World No.1 would be competing at the event. However, in an interview with Australian news network ABC, Tiley gave some more insight into the process behind the entry list.

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"To be clear and upfront, no one can play the Australian Open unless they are vaccinated," said Tiley. “The only condition at which, outside of being vaccinated, that you could compete is if you receive a medically approved exemption from Australian authorities. I’ve seen reports this morning. There have been no medical exemptions that have been granted at this point.

“Everyone goes on the entry list. It’s not a commitment list about exactly who’s in the draw. That comes in several weeks’ time when the actual list and draw gets finalized for the Australian Open."