Google News 'With so much on the line for Novak Djokovic, you've got to think...', says legend
by SIMONE BRUGNOLI | VIEW 7146
Novak Djokovic was unable to make his 2021 perfect, in which he touched the legendary 'Calendar Grand Slam' The number 1 in the world won the first three majors of the season, but was unable to complete the work at the Us Open.
One step away from the finish line, the Serbian phenomenon clearly surrendered in the final to Daniil Medvedev, who avenged the blow he had at the Australian Open at the beginning of the year. The 34-year-old from Belgrade never set foot on the pitch after his terrible disappointment in New York, even giving up the Indian Wells Masters 1000.
The 20-time Slam champion appears in the entry list of the Paris-Bercy tournament and is already qualified for the Atp Finals in Turin, but there is no definite news regarding his season finale. Furthermore, a few days ago, the Premier of the State of Victoria Daniel Andrews announced the obligation for professional athletes to have received the double dose of the vaccine against COVID-19 by November 26.
Many have wondered if Nole - who has always been against the mandatory vaccine - could be damaged by such a measure (provided that he has not already been vaccinated). In a long interview with the 'Wide World of Sports' portal, Todd Woodbridge admitted that it would be a huge surprise not to see Djokovic in Melbourne Park.
Woodbridge on Novak Djokovic
"With so much on the line for Novak Djokovic, you've got to think that he's seriously going to think about it... he's tied at 20 with Roger and Rafa for Grand Slam titles and he wants to take that over and spread that gap," Woodbridge said to 2GB's Wide World of Sports radio.
The Aussie added "it would be a shock" if Novak Djokovic were to take the drastic step of not traveling to Melbourne for the year's first Major. "Coming to the tournament that he's won so much, you've got to think he's seriously thinking about doing it," Woodbridge said.
"It would be a shock to me if he doesn't come to Australia." Todd Woodbridge did acknowledge, however, that it would be difficult for Novak Djokovic to take part in next year's Australian Open without getting vaccinated. Woodbridge even suggested the Serb might think he is immune to the dreaded virus given that he has contracted it in the past.
"It's difficult," Woodbridge said. "He's obviously had COVID-19 ... he probably feels he's got some special strength against it."