Australian Open 2022: Stay up to date with the latest news before the opening Grand Slam

Australian Open boss Craig Tiley has provided the latest news on Novak Djokovic and responded to the recent Nick Kyrgios ‘cancel’ drama.

Australian Open boss Craig Tiley says nine-time champion Novak Djokovic won’t ‘want to risk’ missing out on this year’s tournament – but reaffirmed his position that the world No. 1 will need to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to play in Melbourne in January.

Djokovic has steadfastly refused to reveal his vaccination status – saying he will not be releasing his private medical history – but has been critical of vaccine mandates.

Last week, following his defeat at the ATP Finals in Turin, Djokovic was vague when asked about his participation in the opening grand slam of the 2022 season – saying “we’ll have to wait and see” while admitting he’d not spoken to tournament organisers.

But Tiley, on Thursday, confirmed that no rules will be broken to allow Djokovic to defend his Australian Open title – only that he’ll be treated fairly, in line with the Victorian government heath advice.

Novak Djokovic is yet to confirm if he will play in the Australian Open. Picture: AFP Photo

“He has not shared his status with anyone. He believes that what you say about your medical position is private and he believes people should have the right to choose,” Tiley told SEN.

“Novak has won nine Australian Opens and I’m sure he wants to get to 10. I don’t think Novak will want to risk that but it’s a question only he can answer.

“It has been a hot topic, I have answered more questions on that than anything else.

“He is one of the greatest of all time and our public appreciates that.

“He has a view that some share and the majority don’t. There will be fair treatment of Novak.

“One thing we know, if he is playing here in January then he is vaccinated.”

Djokovic speaks with Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley after claiming the 2021 Australian Open. Picture: Getty

The staging of the Australian Open has been an enormous task for Tiley and his team over the past two years – with the indefatigable boss admitting “none of us have had a break since 2019”.

“There have been moments where there was uncertainty if (not having it in Melbourne) was realistic,” he added.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today and in Melbourne if we hadn’t had the support of the Andrews government. They wanted nothing more (than) to have the event and have it as a milestone point we are open.

“There was a lot written and said about TA’s attempt to have vax mandates changed – that was not true.

“We support and follow the direction of health and the CHO. Certainly there are players – six weeks ago 50% were vaccinated. Today more than 85% are.

“We take a lot of credit for that. We think by January it will be 95% or more. There are exemptions for medical reasons but we are in line with the health mandate.

“There is no preferential treatment for anyone coming into the state.”

Djokovic has won nine Australian Open titles. Picture: AFP Photo

THE KYRGIOS EFFECT

Tiley also weighed in on Nick Kyrgios shock claim – and then retraction – that the Open shouldn’t go ahead in Melbourne this summer.

Kyrgios initially said on his No Boundaries podcast: “I don’t think the Aus Open should go ahead, in my opinion. Just for the people in Melbourne … you’ve got to send a message”.

But he later said those comments were taken out of context and that “obviously I don’t want the Australian Open to be cancelled”.

“But, at the same time, I want it done correctly and I’m sure Tennis Australia and the City of Melbourne will be looking out for people’s best interests when the Australian Open goes ahead,” he clarified.

Out of context... Nick Kyrgios still wants the Australian Open to go ahead. Picture: AAP

Tiley said it was a simple matter of ‘context confusion’.

“He certainly didn’t mean (it), this is the place he has the most support,” Tiley said.

“There was context confusion in it. Nick wears his heart on his sleeve and he says what’s on his mind.

“We hope in January he is on fire. He will always be a hot topic and always of interest.”