“As a country we’ve encouraged Novak Djokovic, that’s great” Australian Minister Greg Hunt delighted on the Serbian getting vaccinated


“As a country we’ve encouraged Novak Djokovic, that’s great” Australian Minister Greg Hunt delighted on the Serbian getting vaccinated

Novak Djokovic and Greg Hunt

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic had to miss out on the 2022 Australian Open after he lost his court battle to get his visa and was deported out of the country on the eve of the Grand Slam beginning. Djokovic was set to be the 3-time defending champion and was coming on the lookout for his 21st major. However, his unvaccinated status against Covid-19 saw him get deported.

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While Djokovic sat out and caught the action on TV, his old rival and fellow Big-3 member Rafael Nadal went on to win the Grand Slam and became the first man in the Open Era to win 21 Grand Slam titles overtaking the tally of Djokovic and Roger Federer who are now in a two-way race with 20 Slams each to their name.

With the French Open and Wimbledon also reportedly planning to make vaccination compulsory for foreign nationals, sources close to Djokovic have revealed that the World No. 1 is thinking of getting vaccinated in order to end the issue for once and for all. His vaccination would also allow him to have relaxed bio-bubbles and easy entry into tournaments that will not shift the focus away from the sport.

“I’m happy for anybody, anywhere to be vaccinated. If in some small way as a country we’ve encouraged Novak or any other individual to do that, that’s great. But you know, what’s more important, I think this will encourage more people who have been hesitant to get vaccinated and that would be the real out of this.

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“I had heard that, I am delighted if that’s the case. But to everybody, doesn’t matter where you are, overseas or in Australia, the first dose, second dose, booster, anything that you are eligible for it will help protect you, please come forward,” said Australian minister Greg Hunt speaking with Sunrise on the reported news of Djokovic is considering getting vaccinated.

Novak Djokovic set to begin his season soon

With expulsion from Australia, the question continues to linger where will the Serbian be back in action on the Tour. The wait will however be ending soon as Novak is planning to start his 2022 campaign at the upcoming ATP-500 event in Dubai where he will be the top seed.

With the next Grand Slam 3 months away, Djokovic has enough time to get fully vaccinated and return to compete for the highest of honours at the tournaments that have surely missed his presence.

Also Read: “Rafael Nadal would never have won if Novak Djokovic played” Former US Open champion discredits Rafa’s Australian Open win

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