Novak Djokovic withdraws from ATP Cup amid Australian Open uncertainty

Novak Djokovic would be going for a record 21st men's Grand Slam title at the Australian Open

World number one Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from Serbia's ATP Cup team.

All players and staff at the 2022 Australian Open must be vaccinated or have a medical exemption granted by an independent panel of experts.

However defending champion Djokovic has not spoken publicly about his vaccination status.

The nine-time Australian Open winner has been replaced by world number 33 Dusan Lajovic for Serbia in the 16-country ATP Cup, which begins in Sydney on Saturday.

Austria have been replaced by France at the event following the withdrawals of Dominic Thiem, ranked 15th, and Dennis Novak.

Djokovic, who defeated Russia's Daniil Medvedev in the 2021 final to claim a record-extending ninth Australian Open men's singles title, is on the entry list for the first Grand Slam of 2022.

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