Spanish government warns Novak Djokovic, asks the Serbian to lead by ‘example’ like his rival, Rafael Nadal and get vaccinated

Spanish government warns Novak Djokovic, asks the Serbian to lead by ‘example’ like his rival, Rafael Nadal and get vaccinated

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic wad deported back to Serbia on Sunday, as the court decided not to uphold his second appeal. Novak Djokovic applied for the Australian visa on the basis of medical exemption, as he was unvaccinated. However, he was stopped by the Australian Border Forces at the Melbourne Airport, which started a string of controversies.

Eventually, after 10 days of the entire fiasco, Novak Djokovic was sent back home, after his visa was cancelled by the Immigration Minister, Alex Hawke. The Serbian faces huge trouble ahead, as he needs to get vaccinated or he risks his chances of becoming the greatest ever player.

Spanish government spokesperson, Isabel Rodriguez has suggested that Djokovic get vaccinated, and lead by example just like his rival, Rafael Nadal. Rodriguez was asked whether the Serbian would be permitted to play the Madrid Open and Barcelona Open, which will be held in April-May despite his vaccination status.

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‘Taking the vaccine is the most sensible thing to do,’ Spanish government to Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic

Currently, Spain does not have rules where unvaccinated people are barred from entering the country. A traveler can either present a vaccine certificate, a negative PCR test or a certificate of recovering from covid to enter the country.

Despite the rules and regulations in Spain, Isbael Rodriguez has urged Novak Djokovic to get the vaccine, since it is the most sensible thing to do. Moreover, the Serbian visits Spain very often, as he owns a house in Marbella.

“What Mr. Djokovic has to do is get vaccinated, that would be the most sensible thing to do. Leading by example is important, and this is indeed what our country’s great sportsmen and women do. For example, Mr. Rafael Nadal,” Isabel said as reported by the Telegraf.

Novak Djokovic could also miss the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open where vaccination is expected to be made mandatory in order to participate. The Serbian will need to rethink his stance on covid-19 vaccination, or he could no longer compete for a major title.

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