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Australia’s response to accusations of “blackmail” by Novak Djokovic’s father

A top Australian leader on Wednesday dismissed accusations of ” blackmail “ formulated by the father of Novak Djokovic about the vaccination obligation to participate in the next Australian Open in January 2022, calling on players to ” responsibility “.

“If you are a foreign tennis player or any foreign athlete, it is a question of your responsibility towards the community which welcomes you”, Martin Pakula, sports minister for the state of Victoria, where the Australian Open is being held in Melbourne, told reporters.

“That’s why we ask these international tennis stars to abide by the same rules as the people of the state of Victoria. It is not about blackmail, it is about ensuring that the community of the inhabitants of the State is protected ”, he concluded.

The organizers of the Australian Open confirmed 10 days ago that all players in the tournament should be vaccinated against Covid-19, increasing the pressure on world number 1, the nine-time Serbian Novak Djokovic. Melbourne and who refuses to say if he is vaccinated or not.

On Sunday, the player’s father, who could clinch a historic 21st Grand Slam title in Melbourne, estimated his son would not participate ” probably not “ at the Australian Open, lambasting a ” blackmail “ of the organizers.

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