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NOVAK Djokovic's stance on vaccines is set to clash with that of the Victoria Government which could come to head with the Australian Open in January.
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews has said that it is unlikely that anyone will be able to successfully apply for an Australian visa without proof of full vaccination.
Djokovic is believed to be one who has not been vaccinated and he implied as such before the French Open.
If nothing changes, then it would be advantage Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to go one up since all stand at 20 Grand Slam wins at the moment.
The world no 1 has seen a dip in form lately as he failed to win his 21st Grand Slam after losing to Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final and lost to Alexander Zverev in the semi-final of the Olympics.
Djokovic won the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon titles this year.
"I don't think it'll come to that. I hope not, because I've always believed in freedom of choice," Djokovic said in April when asked if mandatory vaccines were a possibility.
“And I will keep the decision as to whether I'm going to get vaccinated or not to myself, it's an intimate decision and I don't want to go into this game of pro and against vaccines, which the media is unfortunately creating these days.
"I don't want to be labelled as someone who is against or who is for vaccines.
“I'm not going to answer the question and hope that everyone will respect that."
It is highly unlikely the Victoria government will buckle to pressure to allow unvaccinated players to compete at the Australian Open.
Since many top players seem to be vaccine-hesitant, Australians tennis officials are in a bind as the government's stand could see several top players being unable to compete at the Australian Open next year. - Agencies, October 4, 2021
