World number 1 Novak Djokovic will defend his Australian Open title after he revealed on Tuesday that he has “an exemption permission” to travel to the first Grand Slam of the year.
The 9-time Australian Open champion has repeatedly refused to reveal if he is vaccinated against the coronavirus, a requirement to play in Melbourne. However, Djokovic ended weeks of speculation by making the announcement on Instagram saying "today I'm heading down under with an exemption permit. Let's go 2022."
The defending champion will be attempting to win his 21st major in Melbourne. Djokovic withdrew from representing Serbia at this week's ATP Cup in Sydney to continue practising in Spain in the build-up to the event.