Djokovic openly opposed a vaccine mandate over the course of the year commenting on it a couple of times. The stance of the Serbian was always that it should always be a personal choice for every player but the Australian Open took matters seriously imposing a vaccine mandate. Others events, most notably in America, have since followed suit and it remains to be seen whether it becomes a widespread thing.
Hopman Cup director and former CEO of the Australian Open, Paul McNamee defended Djokovic pointing out that the Serbian never declared himself against vaccination in particular. He said:
"There is absolutely no substance to that story you referred to in the Herald Sun [Djokovic applying for medical exemption] which was on the front page. I mean, that's a complete fantasy. Even the journalists themselves can't confirm it."
McNamee furhter pointed out:
"He's never actually said he's an anti-vaxxer. I mean, he never actually said that. People interpret that because of the way he handled it."
It remains to be seen whether Djokovic truly appears in Melbourne but all things point towards the conclusion that he will. Time will tell.