Andy Murray believes that Novak Djokovic has been vaccinated against COVID-19 as uncertainty lingers over his Australian Open participation.
The Serbian has repeatedly refused to publicly reveal his vaccination status, but only players protected against COVID-19 are set to be permitted to play in Melbourne next month.
Djokovic was named on the entry list for the 2022 Australian Open, though, and Murray expects to see his long-time rival take to the court to defend his Grand Slam title.
Speaking to the press ahead of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, Murray said: "Well, I don't know the situation of him, but the last thing I know is that Nole is among the entries for the Australian Open, so I suppose for this idea that he can train and therefore he is vaccinated.
"In the end they told all of us that these are the rules if you are vaccinated and so I guess that is also the case for him, I think Novak Djokovic is vaccinated.
"Do I agree with this idea? Ultimately I think that all the best tournaments want the top tennis players in their tournament, surely the records and the great rivalries ignite the passion of the fans. Novak Djokovic can win the 21st Grand Slam tournament and I hope to see him in Melbourne."
Djokovic has won the last three editions of the Australian Open, including victories over Murray in the 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016 finals.
Ben Knapton
