Novak Djokovic had a phenomenal 2021 season. The Serbinator finished the year as World No. 1 for a record seventh time in a row. Moreover, he also won 3 out of 4 Grand Slams of the year.

Furthermore, this season, he finally tied the all-time Grand Slam tally with Roger Feder and Rafael Nadal. Thus, the ‘Big Three’ now have 20 Grand Slam titles each.

It seems likely that Novak Djokovic will win surpass Roger and Rafa in Grand Slams eventually. In fact, people expect him to win the Australian Open next month.

Novak Djokovic requires an exemption in order to defend his title

Not only is Novak Djokovic the defending champion at the Australian Open, but he has also won it a record nine times. Moreover, after ever-so-closely missing out on the Calendar Grand Slam this year, the Serb would be looking to bounce back stronger.

Talks of his participation in the Australian Major have been marred with doubts and speculations regarding his vaccination status. The Serbian has time and again refused to disclose his medical status vis-a-vis the Covid-19 vaccine.

Consequently, he even found himself in hot water with Tennis Australia. The authorities have made vaccination mandatory for any player wishing to play in the Australian Grand Slam.

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Recently, in an interview with Russian news outlet K1 Televizija, Novak’s father, Srdjan Djokovic, shed some more light on the matter. “They (Tennis Australia) have to decide whether they will let Novak in,” Srdjan said. “If they decide (to not let Novak play), they have the stand behind their decision.”

Djokovic will look to other Majors otherwise

It seems likely that Novak Djokovic might miss out on contesting for his 21st Grand Slam. In fact, he could also be missing out on furthering his Australian Open record to 10 titles. “He has won the Australian Open nine times, he now wants to play — but they have to permit him to play,” his father explained.

Srdjan was asked what the team will do if they ultimately are not allowed to play in the Australian Open. “We will wait for Rolland Garros and his 21 (21st Grand Slam win),” he replied. “He will win a few more Grand Slam titles until he retires. I think 4 or 5,” Srdjan predicted.

Srdjan had previously claimed that his son would not play if the vaccine mandates remained compulsory. So far, it seems Novak Djokovic is steady in that promise.

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