Novak Djokovic decides to withdraw from ATP Cup

The world No. 1 has withdrawn from next month's ATP Cup in Australia per Jelena Medic of "Blic" (Serbian newspaper).

"It is 99 percent sure that Novak won't go to the ATP Cup. He is training here (in Belgrade) but he has decided to give that tournament a miss," a member of his team reportedly said.

It's been an on-going mystery for months, if and when Djokovic will travel to Melbourne—given that he will need to be fully vaccinated and all members within his team. The only exception from this mandate is if he provides a medical condition that warrants an exemption.

There's a lot on the line for the nine-time Australian Open winner who isn't just gunning for a 10th title Down Under, but to also take the lead for most Grand Slam trophies on the men's side. However, Djokovic has yet to reveal if he received the COVID-19 vaccination, although his name remains on the entry list.

“If Novak shows up at the Australian Open, he’ll either be vaccinated or he’ll have a medical exemption. [It’s] his choice on his medical condition, it’s his choice to keep personal and private like all of us would do with any condition we may or may not have.

“We are not going to force him or ask him to disclose that," tournament director Craig Tiley said earlier this week.

Tiley has spoken to Djokovic who apparently really wants to play the Aussie Open, but no medical specifics have been covered and Tiley will not "question" the 34-year-old.

“It’s going to be extremely difficult for a tennis player in 2022 to travel around the world and not have, in each country, separately an exemption or be vaccinated. But that’s ultimately up to them. But I’m not going to ask Novak that, it’s none of my business," Tiley said.

With just over a week until the 2022 season begins, time will divulge Djokovic's plans.