Australian Open boss Craig Tiley said there was “a lot to play” before the saga surrounding Novak Djokovic’s appearance at Melbourne Park was settled.
The world No. 1 has continuously refused to reveal if he was vaccinated against Covid-19, an obligation to work in Victoria.
But there has been speculation that Djokovic could seek medical exemption to play as he aims for a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title.
Djokovic withdrew from the Serbian ATP Cup squad last week, continuing the mystery.
But Tiley says time is running out on whether the nine-time Australian Open winner will defend his title, with the tournament starting Jan. 17.
“We still have a few charter flights until the end of this week, and then all the players will be there,” Tiley told the Nine Network. “Regarding Novak’s status, I think we’ll have a much clearer picture in the next few days, otherwise it’s getting pretty late to show up and play the Australian Open.
“There are a lot of things to play and I think it will play out in the next few days. “
Tennis Australia last month released its Covid-19 vaccination protocols for the Open, including the process for players requesting medical exemptions. If an exemption is found to be valid in accordance with ATAGI guidelines, the medical exemption will be submitted to the Australian Immunization Registry. No panelist will ever know the identity of a player seeking a exemption.
Djokovic’s Spanish rival Rafael Nadal, who is tied with the Serb and Roger Federer on 20 Grand Slam titles, recently arrived in Melbourne after recovering from COVID-19 last month.
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