Novak Djokovic has stated that he is not opposed to vaccination, but that if he were forced to take the vaccine against Covid-19, he would not defend his Wimbledon or French Open championships.
Unvaccinated Novak Djokovic was deported from Australia 11 days before the first Grand Slam of the year after two visa cancellations, two court challenges, and five nights in an immigration detention hotel.
He told the BBC, “I was never anti-vaccination, but I’ve always backed the choice to choose what you put in your body.”
Despite seeing his opponent Rafael Nadal win a record 21st Grand Slam championship in Melbourne last month, the world No. 1 claims he will not defend his Wimbledon or French Open crowns if the tournaments mandate mandatory vaccination.
When asked if he was willing to forego competing, Djokovic replied, “Yes, that is the price I’m willing to pay.”
“I believe that everyone has the freedom to chose, act, say, and feel what is best for them.”
He went on to say, ” “My body’s decision-making principles are more significant than any title or other accolade. I’m attempting to be as in sync with my body as possible.”
Despite being deported from Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open last month due to worries about his vaccine status, Djokovic distanced himself from the anti-vaccination movement.
“I’ve never stated I’m a part of that movement,” he replied.
“It’s sad that there has been this kind of misunderstanding and incorrect conclusion based on something with which I fully disagree,” he continued.
He told the station that he was “keeping [his] mind open” to the idea of getting vaccinated in the future, “since we are all trying to find a best possible option to terminate Covid collectively.”
“I’ve never been anti-vaccination. I understand that everyone throughout the world is putting in a lot of effort to deal with this virus and hopefully put an end to it soon.”
After some suggested it was convenient that Djokovic tested positive for Covid in mid-December, he addressed his deportation from Australia.
Because of the timing, he was able to get a medical exemption to attend the competition.
“I understand that there is a lot of criticism, and I understand that people have different opinions about how fortunate I was or how convenient it is,” Djokovic said.
“However, no one is fortunate or convenient in receiving Covid.” Throughout the world, millions of people have struggled with Covid and continue to do so.
“So I take this very seriously; I don’t want anyone to believe I’ve misappropriated something or exploited it to my advantage in order to, you know, get a positive PCR test and then fly to Australia.”
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