“His life, his decision,” coach Goran Ivanisevic elaborates on Novak Djokovic’s decision to remain unvaccinated
Follow Us
Goran Ivanisevic and Novak Djokovic
Goran Ivanisevic recently gave insight on Novak Djokovic’s wish to remain unvaccinated, in the middle of a spreading pandemic. Djokovic, according to Ivanisevic, deserves respect for adhering to his principles, as contrasted to people who change their ideas based on the circumstances.
Novak Djokovic has stated that he will not be getting the COVID-19 vaccine any time soon because it may have negative side effects on his body. He was forced to skip the Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami due to his controversial decision. Given France’s COVID-19 pass, it appeared at first that he would also miss the Monte-Carlo. However, a few weeks ago, the French government amended its laws, allowing Djokovic to play in the tournament.
In his second-round encounter at the competition, the Serb faced Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. However, he failed to make an impression in the match as he came back from a set down before eventually losing the third set against the Spaniard. The eventual score was 3-6, 7-6(5), 1-6.
“He says what he thinks”- Goran Ivanisevic
In an interview with Ubaldo Scanagatta of Ubitennis, Goran Ivanisevic was asked if he tried to persuade the Serb to get inoculated. He responded by saying that he appreciates the Serb’s choice and that he respects Djokovic even more for sticking to his words.
“It’s his life, his decision. I respect his decision, his family,” the former Wimbledon champion stated. “He said it truly that he’s going to risk his career. I even love him more for that because he’s standing by what he’s saying. He’s the only person in the world who says what he thinks. You know, one day they say one thing, one day they say another. He, from the beginning, is straight and this is why I respect him even more.”
Novak Djokovic has already been forced to withdraw from a number of tournaments this year, including the entire Australian swing and the Sunshine Double in the United States. As a result, Ivanisevic is hoping that the pandemic would abate, allowing the US government to relax its rules in time for the US Open. “Hopefully this pandemic is going to stop. Only now he can play all the tournaments,” Ivanisevic said. “I hope that America will open so he will be able to play the US Open in September.”
Lastly, the former World No. 2 feels the Serb will be poised to make a stunning comeback at this year’s French Open. “But he’ll be going to the French Open in five/six weeks, he’s got a couple more tournaments and he will be ready.”
Novak Djokovic to sweat it out on the other clay-court tournaments
Monte Carlo might have been a fantastic tournament for Novak Djokovic, as it sets the tone for his hopes of winning the French Open. However, he will have to rely on other clay-court competitions after falling to Davidovich Fokina. His next competition, which will take place on April 18th in Serbia, is now in the works.
Because the Covid laws and regulations vary from country to country, it’s unknown where he’ll play next after the home event in Belgrade. However, it’s evident that he’s not getting enough match practise right now. His anti-vaccine position, meanwhile, may prevent him from competing in any more tournaments during the clay-court season.
Stay Updated!
Pritha Ghosh
(414 Articles Published)