Novak Djokovic on Australian Open entry list despite vaccination concerns

Novak Djokovic appears ready to defend his Australian Open title after his name was included in the entry list for the event.

Djokovic suggested he may skip the event due to the strict vaccination requirements, but that no longer seems to be the case.

Djokovic could conceivably apply for a special exemption to play in the event, but would be required to undertake 14 days of quarantine as a result.

The nine-time winner has maintained people should have the "freedom to choose" whether or not to take the vaccine.

Tournament director Craig Tiley said last month: "There has been a lot of speculation around Novak's position. He has noted and said publicly that it is a private matter.

"We would love to see Novak here (but) he knows he has to be vaccinated in order to play."

Defending champion Naomi Osaka, who said after her US Open defeat to Leylah Fernandez that she planned to take a break from the sport, is on the list.

Absentees on the men's side include Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka, while Jeremy Chardy, who has not played since the US Open after having a bad reaction to the vaccine, is also out.