Novak Djokovic's father drops hint that the Serbian isn't vaccinated, could miss Australian Open

The saga surrounding the vaccination status of Novak Djokovic continues, as the Serbian's father implied in a recent interview that his son was unvaccinated and was hoping to be granted a medical exemption to be able to play at next month's Australian Open.

The World No.1 has refused to reveal his vaccination status, claiming that such information is private. All players are required to be double vaccinated to take part in the Australian Open, or receive a medical exemption from an independent body.

Speaking to Serbian TV, Srdjan Djokovic gave the impression his son wasn't vaccinated, and will instead rely on an exemption to travel to Australia.

“They have to decide whether they will let Novak in,” he said. If they decide (not to let him in), they have to stand behind their decision. He has won the Australian Open nine times, he now wants to play - but they have to permit him to play.

“Novak will do what he thinks is the best for him, nobody will impose an opinion on him.”

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Djokovic is level with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20 grand slam titles. Federer has already announced he will miss the Australian Open due to injury, while Nadal announced on Tuesday he'd tested positive to Covid-19, throwing his preparations into disarray.

It's now possible that all three will be missing from next month's tournament, meaning the race for a 21st slam will be on hold until Roland Garros in May.