BELGRADE, Jan 4: World number one Novak Djokovic on Tuesday said that he would defend his Australian Open title later this month after receiving a medical exemption from having a COVID-19 vaccination.
Djokovic has never spoken publicly about his vaccination status but he criticised mandates ruling that players must be double-jabbed. He previously had said that he was unsure whether he would compete at the Grand Slam due to concerns over Australia's quarantine rules.
"I've spent fantastic quality time with my loved ones over the break and today I'm heading Down Under with an exemption permission. Let's go 2022," Djokovic said in a tweet along with a picture of him in an airport.
Notably, organizers of the Australian Open, which starts on January 17, had stipulated that all players and staff at the tournament must be vaccinated or have an exemption granted by an expert independent panel.
Also read: Osaka makes Winning Return to Melbourne
Also watch: