Novak Djokovic was named in Serbia’s team for the men’s season-opening ATP Cup in January in Sydney, although the world No. 1 has yet to commit to the Australian Open following the organizers’ mandate for Covid-19 vaccinations.
Djokovic, who has won a record nine titles at Melbourne Park including the last three, has repeatedly declined to reveal whether he has been vaccinated against Covid-19, with Australian Open organizers Tennis Australia confirming that all players would have to be vaccinated to compete in Melbourne.
To play without being vaccinated in Sydney, the capital of New South Wales state, the state government would have to apply for an exemption for Djokovic and the 34-year-old would have to undergo a 14-day quarantine upon arrival.
That same option was also open to Australian Open organizers but the government in Victoria, of which Melbourne is the capital, has said it would not apply for exemptions.
The draw for the third edition of the ATP Cup team event was held in Sydney on Tuesday and organizers said top seed Serbia, headlined by Djokovic, would be in Group A along with Norway, Chile and Spain.
While Djokovic’s participation will be a huge boost for Serbia and the tournament, Rafa Nadal will not feature for Spain.
The 20-times major champion struggled with back issues at the start of 2021 before pulling out of Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics with a foot problem.
The 35-year-old Spaniard, who last played in August at the Citi Open, is aiming to return at an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi this month before playing another tournament in his buildup to the Australian Open.
Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, videos and features
The 2022 ATP Cup will feature 16 teams and be hosted across two venues at the Sydney Olympic Park from January 1-9 with the players vying for $10 million in prize money.
Defending champion Russia, led by world No. 2 and US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, were grouped with this year’s finalist Italy, Austria and host Australia, which will not have maverick Nick Kyrgios in its team.
The winner of each of the four groups will advance to the semifinals.
Group A – Serbia, Norway, Chile, Spain
Group B – Russia, Italy, Austria, Australia
Group C – Germany, Canada, Britain, United States
Group D – Greece, Poland, Argentina, Georgia