LIVE: Why you won't see Novak at United Cup

Many a opus and creation has been made astir Novak Djokovic's instrumentality to Australia 12 months since helium was deported implicit his refusal to person a COVID-19 vaccination.

Many a opus and creation has besides been made astir the inaugural United Cup, being held successful Sydney, Brisbane and Perth from today.

So with the unthinkable pulling powerfulness of the 35-year-old nine-time Australian Open winner, wherefore past is helium not starring what would nary uncertainty beryllium a powerhouse Serbian side?

The reply is bureaucracy. 

Entries were taken for the United Cup successful October, erstwhile The Joker was inactive barred from Australia. Unsurprisingly, it meant officials could not connection him a spot.

Speaking connected TODAY connected Thursday morning, Tennis Australia main enforcement Craig Tiley said portion it was unfortunate Djokovic wasn't playing successful the United Cup, helium was thrilled helium was backmost successful the country.

When asked if helium was acrophobic Djokovic would beryllium booed wherever helium plays, Tiley said helium had "a large woody of confidence" successful the Australian sporting community.

"They admit erstwhile they're watching a nine-time champion, a large player," helium said.

"(Djokovic) is coming disconnected 2022 arguably having the champion extremity of the play of immoderate antheral player. (He) is going to beryllium hard to beat.

"I americium relying connected that assurance and immoderate happens, happens. I deliberation determination is going to beryllium a large appreciation for the information Novak is backmost and playing the benignant of tennis helium is playing."

Djokovic volition alternatively enactment up successful the Adelaide International adjacent week up of the Open.