“That is the price I’m willing to pay” Novak Djokovic ready to miss tournaments but won’t get vaccinated
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Novak Djokovic
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is currently into his 360th week as the top-ranked player on the ATP Tour. The Serbian has however not enjoyed a good start to the 2022 year due to his stance against not getting vaccinated and it led to a massive protest taking place in Australia when he had travelled to the country for the 2022 Australian Open.
Novak’s visa was cancelled when he landed in Melbourne and having spent 4 days in federal quarantine center as protests emerged in the streets of Australia, the first of the two hearings went in his favour and the player was allowed. However, the Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke chose to exercise his power and cancel his visa once again and a second hearing took place which resulted in Novak getting deported and banned to enter Australia for next 3 years.
Ever since his deportation, the Serbian has not talked with any media personnel about the entire debacle but he recently agreed to give an exclusive interview to BBC where he touched upon various topics including his views on vaccination and why has he chosen to remain unvaccinated against the Covid-19 virus that has wreaked havoc for more than 2 years now globally.
“I was never against vaccination but I’ve always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body. Because the principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else. I’m trying to be in tune with my body as much as I possibly can. I am keeping my mind open (to get vaccinated) because we are all trying to find collectively, the best possible solution to end Covid.
“I was never against vaccination. I understand that globally, everyone is trying to put a big effort into handling this virus and seeing, hopefully, an end soon to this virus,” said Djokovic during his interview with BBC hinting that he might not get vaccinated until he has bid adiue to the sport.
Novak Djokovic ready to miss tournaments
Djokovic who now faces possible expulsion from the upcoming Indian Wells Masters and Miami Masters in March 2022, 2022 French Open in May and 2022 Wimbledon in July, a few major tournaments, the Serbian is all but ready to sacrifice playing in the tournaments as they are set to make vaccination compulsory for all the players and ban those who don’t.
“Yes, that is the price that I’m willing to pay,” said Djokovic without any hesitation, sending out clear signals that banning him from the tournaments won’t make him change his decision on getting vaccinated.
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Sarthak Shitole
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