‘Kind of Poker Match’: Andrey Rublev Opens Up on Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open Participation

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic recently shared an unfortunate announcement. He will not be seen at the ATP Cup 2022. Instead, he has been spending time back home in Belgrade during the festive Christmas season.

Recently, Russian tennis player Andrey Rublev spoke the Serbian stars latest update and reflected on his chances of being present in Melbourne for the first Grand Slam event of the season.

Andrey Rublev is well updated with the news around the corner 

According to the World No. 5 player, Djokovic may not defend his title at the Australian Open. He stated, “As I understand from the news, do not wait for him. But they have some kind of poker match – who’s the first to fail. It seems to me that everything will end with the fact that he simply will not go, and the Australian Open will go.”

(Quotes translated using Google translate)

The Russian player finds the entire episode amusing. He feels that the protocols are the same all around the circuit now. Even post the Australian Open, there will be Indian Wells and the Miami Open. It will be interesting to see how things look at that point in time.

The 24-year-old player added, “Because Nadal is on his way. Although if Novak does not go, it will be strange, because then there is a series of American tournaments, where they were obliged to vaccinate in the same way. And if Nadal goes, then everything will be 100%.”

Coming to tennis, Djokovic and Rublev played for the first time during the ATP Finals 2021. It was the World No. 1 player who emerged on top, winning the match in straight sets. 

Now with this latest development, it will be interesting to see how things shape up towards until the Australian Open 2022 begins. All eyes will be on Djokovic and youngsters like Rublev on the Tour. We wish all players the best of luck.

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