Novak Djokovic named in Serbia team for 2022 ATP Cup in Sydney

World No.1 Novak Djokovic was named in the Serbian team for the men’s season-opening ATP Cup in January in Sydney. Although he has yet to commit to the Australian Open following the organizers’ mandate for COVID-19 vaccinations.

Last month, Djokovic declined to reveal his vaccination status again. He said he was unsure if he would defend his Australian Open title in Melbourne as authorities work out COVID-19 restrictions for the tournament. However, Australian Open organizers have made it clear that all players would have to be vaccinated to compete in Melbourne.

“Things beings as they are, I still don’t know if I will go to Melbourne. I will not reveal my status whether I have been vaccinated or not, it is a private matter and an inappropriate inquiry. People go too far these days in taking the liberty to ask questions and judge a person. Whatever you say ‘yes, no, maybe, I am thinking about it,’ they will take advantage”, said Novak Djokovic as quoted by the online edition of Serbian daily Blic.

Groups announced for 2022 ATP cup; tough draw for Britain

The draw for the third edition of the ATP Cup team event was held in Sydney on Tuesday. The organizers said top seed Serbia, headlined by Djokovic, would be in Group A along with Norway, Chile, and Spain. The defending champion, Daniil Medvedev is in Group B, which includes Italy, Austria, and Australia. Alexander Zverev headlines Group C along with Canada, Great Britain, and the United States. While Stefanos Tsitsipas will be in Group D, along with Poland, Argentina, and Georgia.

With Rafal Nadal not featuring for Spain, Djokovic’s participation will be a huge boost for Serbia and the tournament. The 20-times major champion hasn’t been in the best of his touch and has struggled with back issues at the start of 2021 before pulling out of Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics with a foot problem.

ATP Chief Tour Officer Ross Hutchins said: “There’s no better place for us to launch the 2022 season than with the ATP Cup in Sydney. The players have loved competing at this event in recent years and the 2022 player field speaks for itself. We’re delighted that fans will be able to see so many of the world’s best representing their countries in the opening week of the season. And we look forward to a fantastic event.”