Australian Jordan Thompson sheds light on the Novak Djokovic vaccine drama ahead of their Wimbledon clash

Thompson claims that Djokovic's vaccine stance 'cost him Grand Slams'.

Australian Jordan Thompson sheds light on the Novak Djokovic vaccine drama ahead of their Wimbledon clash

Jordan Thompson and Novak Djokovic (Image via: Wimbledon)

Australian Jordan Thompson, Novak Djokovic’s second-round opponent at this year’s Wimbledon, believes that the Serb’s steadfast refusal to receive the COVID-19 vaccine may have cost him the opportunity to add to his impressive Grand Slam tally. The 29-year-old went on to add that Novak Djokovic should be highly respected for sticking to his principles.

Novak Djokovic was deported from Australia prior to the start of the 2022 edition of the Australian Open and was also prohibited from competing at the US Open last year due to his unwavering stance on not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine despite the harsh repercussions.

YouTube video

Jordan Thompson, who came from 2 sets down to win his opening-round match against Brandon Nakashima, said in his post-match press conference that the 23-time Grand Slam title champion was deprived of a genuine chance to add to his substantial Grand Slam count. “Novak should be very well-respected in what he’s done in the game and that he stuck to his guns with the vaccination stuff,” said Thompson. “He refused to get vaccinated. It probably cost him Grand Slams,” added the World No. 71.

Also read: Wimbledon was accused of bias towards Novak Djokovic over closing the roof against Rafael Nadal despite no rain

Jordan Thomspon had backed Novak Djokovic’s anti-vaccination stance earlier too

IMG COM 20230705 1617 13 1901 1
 Jordan Thompson (Image via: The West Australian)

Jordan Thompson had also backed the Serb earlier when he had obtained a medical exemption to play at the 2022 Australian Open prior to his unceremonious detention and deportation.

Despite the polarizing and controversial stance taken by his government, Thompson was firm in his support for the then 9-time Australian champion, saying that whether to get vaccinated or not should be left to the individual’s choice. Though his statement may have ruffled a few feathers down under, Thompson was unfazed by his personal opinion on this rather touchy issue.

Novak Djokovic will be looking for his 30th straight win at Wimbledon when he faces Jordan Thompson later today. If the Australian manages to pull off an upset, it will be the first time in a decade that the mighty Djokovic has faced defeat on Centre Court. Thompson, who has registered two victories against top-10 players in his career, against Andy Murray in 2017 and against Stefanos Tsitsipas earlier this year at Indian Wells, will certainly have an uphill task if he is to pull off a shock win.

In case you missed it: