Australian Open 2022 Participation Isn’t the “Only Issue” for Novak Djokovic Next Year, Says Doubles Legend

Serbian World No.1 Novak Djokovic has had one of the most successful tennis seasons in 2021. Remarkably, he even equaled Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s outstanding 20 Grand Slam record. But since he has not yet committed to competing at the Australian Open 2022, his chances of taking the lead from his foes might be hurt severely. About this, the Australian doubles legend Todd Woodbridge has shared some insights.

Notably, the retired 22-time Grand Slam doubles champion believes that Djokovic will play in Australia. In addition, Woodbridge explained how the next season would affect the Serbian ace if he didn’t turn up in Melbourne Park.

As for Djokovic, he is still waiting for the update from Tennis Australia on rules and regulations for players. Given the tournament will launch soon, the update might come out at any time.

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Todd Woodbridge on Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open 2022 participation

Primarily, the former Australian professional expressed that he’d be in disbelief if Djokovic skipped the Happy Slam. But considering the Serb’s hunger for history, such a decision is unlikely, according to Woodbridge.

“I think, given what’s on the line, it would be amazing if he didn’t turn up. Yeah, I do think he’ll play,” Woodbridge told the Canberra Times.

Furthermore, the former doubles World No.1 explained that difficult decisions separated Djokovic from the rest. Woodbridge also shared concern about the impact on the 2022 season if he missed the first annual Grand Slam.

“It would be his own personal statement in a sense of what he believes in,” Woodbridge continued. “I suppose that’s what’s given him that point of difference in his career, where he made the decision to make changes to his diet and his fitness and in his health. And that’s up to him to make those choices.”

“But I don’t think Australia’s going to be the only issue for him moving forward. It’s more about how does the rest of the year play out if that were to happen.”

In time, Djokovic will reveal whether he will be defending his Australian Open title next year or not. But before that, he would be looking forward to accomplishing the mission at hand, which is the year-end ATP Finals tournament in Italy. 

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