February 15, (THEWILL) – Novak Djokovic has admitted that he is willing to skip future tournaments like the French Open and Wimbledon because of his anti-COVID vaccine stance.
As THEWILL reported last month, after a closely followed spat with immigration authorities, the world number one was deported from Australia, and his visa was revoked, causing him to miss the Australian Open and a chance to extend his winning streak in Melbourne for a record-making Grand Slam total.
Despite the fact that the Serbian was not vaccinated against COVID-19 throughout the ordeal, the 34-year-old declared in his first interview after leaving Australia that he should not be identified with the anti-vax movement, but rather as someone who respects the “freedom to choose.”
“I was never against vaccination”, he revealed in the interview. “I understand that globally, everyone is trying to put a big effort into handling this virus and seeing, hopefully, an end soon to this virus.
“Vaccination is probably the biggest effort. I fully respect that. But I’ve always supported the freedom to choose what you put into your body. For me that is the essential, it’s really the principle of understanding what is right and what is wrong for you.
“Me as an elite professional athlete, I’ve always carefully reviewed, assessed everything that comes in from supplements, food, water, anything that comes into my body as a fuel. Based on all the information that I got I decided against the vaccine.”
The Serbian added: “I understand the consequences of my decision. One of the consequences of my decision was not going to Australia, I was prepared not to go. I understand not being vaccinated today, I am unable to travel to most tournaments. That is the price I am willing to pay.”
When asked if he was willing to forfeit the possibility to earn the most grand slam championships as a result of his position, he responded with an unequivocal “Yes,” stating that he was ready miss the French Open and Wimbledon this year on that account. When asked why he would do such a thing, Djokovic said:
“Because the principles of decision making of my body are more important than any title or anything else. I am trying to be in tune with my body as much as I possibly can,” Djokovic replied.
“Everyone has the right to choose, to act or say whatever they feel is appropriate. I’ve never said I am part of that movement. No one in the whole process, during the Australian saga, has asked me of my stance or my opinion on vaccination. No one. So I could not really express what I feel and where my stance is.
“It’s really unfortunate there has been this misconception, the wrong conclusion that has been made around the world, based upon something I completely disagree with.”
When the French Open takes place from May 22 to June 5, Djokovic’s participation is uncertain and will be determined by the country’s COVID vaccination laws.
In the near future, he has been included to the Indian Wells entry list, despite the fact that the event’s website makes it explicit that players must be completely vaccinated — in accordance with US requirements for non-US arrivals, as THEWILL previously reported.
Djokovic, on the other hand, is poised to compete in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships later this month, after the United Arab Emirates granted him permission to compete.
Meanwhile, Wimbledon is expected to adhere to UK government regulations. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated must only undergo a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 of their arrival in the UK as of February 11.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
