Australian Open Boss Still Unsure About Novak Djokovic, Says ‘It’s Getting Pretty Late’

The entire tennis world has been waiting to see whether Novak Djokovic will play in the 2022 Australian Open. In fact, the World No. 1 has had uncertainty surrounding his Australian Open hopes for months now.

Moreover, he has also been unwilling to reveal his vaccination status publicly. Thus, many believed that he would not be in the Australian Open this year to defend his title.

Furthermore, his exit from the ATP Cup, which immediately precedesd the Grand Slam is also a cause for concern.

Australian Open boss gives hope for Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open

Speculations have revealed that Novak Djokovic has been trying hard to apply for an exemption from tournament rules. Apparently, the Serbian wishes to be an exception from the rule that allows only vaccinated players to play.

Now, even with the tournament so close by, tournament boss Craig Tiley has renewed hopes for the Serbian. With the tournament set to start on January 17, Tiley talked to the Nine Network about Novak Djokovic and his participation.

“We’ve still got a few charter flights coming in until the end of this week and then all the players will be here,” he said. However, Tiley still says that hope is diminishing as time passes.

“As far as the status relates to Novak (Djokovic), I think we’ll have a much clearer picture in the coming days,” Tiley shares. “Otherwise, it’s getting pretty late to show up and play the Australian Open,” he states.

“There’s quite a bit to play out and I think it will play out in the coming days,” Tiley finished. [h/t theguardian.com]

ALSO READ: Tennis Doubles Legend Fires Daniil Medvedev Warning for Australian Open 2022

Djokovic has the most Australian Open titles ever

Novak Djokovic, who might or might not play the Australian Open 2022, is a history-maker in Melbourne either way. The 20-time Grand Slam champion has 9 Australian Open trophies to his name, the most anyone has ever won the major.

2022 would have been his title defense in Melbourne. Not only would Novak be attempting to extend his already historical record by winning the Grand Slam, but he would also be trying to finally one-up lifetime rival Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Currently, all three of them are tied for their all-time Grand Slam wins at 20 each. However, if things do not go his way at the Australian Open, his wait for breaking that record would have to wait longer.

DIVE DEEPER: ‘2021 Was Another Tough Year’: Roger Federer Looks Forward to 2022 in New Year Message