Google News Australia's Tourism Minister on Novak Djokovic: Absolute stalwart of Australian Open
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 8470
Australia's Federal Trade and Tourism Minister Dan Tehan absolutely wants to see Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open in January. The Australian Open organizers seem to be inching toward officially confirming that unvaccinated players will be allowed to compete at the Australian Open but under one condition -- to complete 14 days of hard quarantine.
“We need to use common sense here,” Tehan said on Sunrise. “If we can bring players in – and especially the best players in the world – and they can do two weeks quarantine, it seems to me like a common-sense proposition." Djokovic is a record nine-time Australian Open champion.
“Novak Djokovic has been an absolute stalwart of the Australian Open and one of the best players ever to play at the event," Tehan continued. “It would be a shame if we couldn’t find a way, especially if he was prepared to do two weeks of quarantine, for him to come and defend the outstanding record he has at the Australian Open."
Tehan suggests not having Djokovic would be a blow for the tournament
“It highlights Melbourne across the globe, I think we can use some common sense,” Tehan added.
In a recent interview, Djokovic acknowledged that he is regularly following the situation regarding Australia. "I'm following the situation regarding Australia and to my understanding the final decision of the Victoria Government and Tennis Australia will come within the next two weeks, we are looking at the first or the second week of November.
I don't think something will significant will change compared to what we already know. As it was the case this year, we can expect a lot of restrictions. I have heard from my manager that Tennis Australia is trying to improve conditions for everyone -- vaccinated and unvaccinated players," Djokovic told Serbian daily newspaper Blic. Also, Djokovic hinted he could indeed skip the Australian Open.