World No 1 Novak Djokovic said that he is unsure of participating in next year’s Australian Open. The Serb once again declined to reveal whether he has been vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Djokovic missed the Calendar Year Grand Slam in this year after he lost the US Open final to Russia’s Danii Medvedev. The defending Australian Open champion had also missed out on an Olympics medal. 

He is tied with tennis legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for the number of Grand Slams won. All three have won 20 each. Djokovic is likely to win a record 21st Slam next year. 

However, he said that he is not sure if he will participate in the Australian Open – the tennis year’s first major tournament. The tournament takes place in Melbourne, where the state has introduced a vaccine mandate for professional athletes. The authorities have not yet clarified what the requirement will be for those coming from abroad.

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Djokovic has not come public about his vaccination status. 

“Things beings as they are, I still don’t know if I will go to Melbourne. I will not reveal my status whether I have been vaccinated or not, it is a private matter and an inappropriate inquiry,” Djokovic told the online edition of Serbian daily Blic.

“People go too far these days in taking the liberty to ask questions and judge a person. Whatever you say ‘Yes, no, maybe, I am thinking about it’, they will take advantage.”

Djokovic said he plans to compete in the Paris Masters, the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin and the Davis Cup before the end of 2021.

“Of course I want to go, Australia is my most successful Grand Slam tournament. I want to compete, I love this sport and I am still motivated,” he said.

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“I am following the situation regarding the Australian Open and I understand the final decision (on COVID-related restrictions) will be made in two weeks. I believe there will be a lot of restrictions just like this year, but I doubt there will be too many changes.

“My manager, who is in contact with the Australian Tennis Federation, tells me they are trying to improve the conditions for everyone, both for those who have been vaccinated and those who have not.”