This year certainly has been an interesting one, just as 2020 was. We did see a lot of the standard Tennis Calendar return this year thankfully. Despite it returning, there were still many hiccups and it seems the uncertainty of covid, vaccinations, crowds etc are all still affecting the game, who can play it, who can watch it etc.
Even as we click over the last few days of 2021 there is still big uncertainty over weather Novak Djokovic will play the 2022 Australian Open. He has just pulled out of the Sydney ATP Cup and it has caused a lot of talk as to if that means he is not coming to Australia at all. The ATP Cup did not have any restrictions on players being vaccinated, unlike the Australian Open which requires all players to be vaccinated or have an exemption to play justifying why they are not vaccinated.
It was widely publicized how Djokovic flouted Covid rules in 2020, in which times he was seen partying in close contact with other players and the public in the height of covid. He has since dialed back his comments on covid and his stance against vaccination and has taken a more level approach condoning those that want to get vaccinated, while also advocating for respect for those that do not want to.
This brings us to the Australian Open 2022 which is less than a month away and the burning question as to if the 2021 four time Grand Slam major finalist will play. He has still not confirmed or denied if he will be playing or if he has been vaccinated. One thing is sure in that it would be a big loss to the game, tournament and the fans if Djokovic does not play. On the other hand, rules are in place for a reason and they must be respected.
Only time will tell if Djokovic is vaccinated or not.. and maybe now the conversation moving forward will be the question as to if much more tournaments, Grand Slams will be mandating players to be vaccinated to be able to play or not. Just speculating, but if this happens and all Grand Slams put this rule into place and Djokovic decided not to get vaccinated, it could mean major implications for the history of Tennis.. ie Nadal or Federer may once again win further Grand Slams and overtake Djokovic.
Just like the end of 2020….. we thought 2021 would be a smoother path and certain… but as we look to 2022, it is anything but certain!