Novak Djokovic prepared to miss Grand Slams rather than have COVID-19 vaccine

NOVAK Djokovic is prepared to miss the French Open and Wimbledon rather than have a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination but is not an anti-vaxxer, the world number one said in his first interview since his failed attempt to play at the Australian Open.

After an 11-day rollercoaster involving two visa cancellations, two court challenges and five nights in two stints at an immigration detention hotel, the unvaccinated Djokovic was deported before the tournament began.

The debacle deprived the 34-year-old the chance to win a record-extending 10th Australian Open and a men’s record 21st Grand Slam title.

Instead career-rival Rafa Nadal won the title and moved to 21 and with Djokovic unwilling to have a vaccine limiting where he might be able to play, the Serb is jeopardizing his dream of ending his career with the most Grand Slam titles.

“I understand the consequences of my decision,” Djokovic told the BBC, adding that he had been prepared not to travel to Australia due to his unvaccinated status. “I understand that not being vaccinated today, I am unable to travel to most of the tournaments at the moment. Yes, that is the price that I’m willing to pay.

“Because the principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else.”

Djokovic’s hopes of trying to defend his French Open and Wimbledon titles, travel rules in France and Britain have been eased for unvaccinated travellers and they no longer need to undergo quarantine.

His prospects of playing in the United States, including the US Open, look bleak at the moment, however, as vaccination certificates remain compulsory.

Defending his right to shun vaccines, Djokovic, who follows a strict diet, said: “I just don’t have enough clarity of how the COVID vaccine will affect me and whether it’s going to create a certain effect on my game and I wouldn’t have the benefits that I would normally have.” — Reuters