Novak Djokovic has said he is keeping an ‘open mind’ concerning ways to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic after coming under fire for saying he is opposed to a compulsory vaccination in order to return to the Tour.
The world No.1 suggested earlier this week that if players had to have a vaccine before they can return to professional tennis he is uncertain as to what he would do. The Tour has been suspended until July 13th due to the COVID- 19 pandemic that has infected more than two million people worldwide. Djokovic spoke about the current situation in a Facebook Live chat with fellow Serbian athletes.
“Personally, I am opposed to vaccination and I wouldn’t want to be forced by someone to take a vaccine in order to be able to travel,” he said.
“But if it becomes compulsory, what will happen? I will have to make a decision. I have my own thoughts about the matter and whether those thoughts will change at some point, I don’t know.”
Djokovic’s view is that there should be more research done into alternative methods to counteract the deadly virus. However, not everybody shares the same opinion as him. Dr Predrag Kon, who is part of the Serbian Government’s Coronavirus task force, has warned the tennis star against creating misconceptions.
“As one of Djokovic’s most loyal supporters, I wish I had had the opportunity to make him familiar to the significance and immense contribution of immunizations to the health of the population,” Kon wrote on Facebook.
“It’s late now, he’s created misconceptions, so there’s no more help here. Maestro, I wish you all the best, but you should avoid direct answers to the vaccination-related questions because you have a huge impact.”
No vaccine has yet been approved to fight the virus, but work is ongoing to rapidly develop one. Although experts differ on how long that process may take. Former world No.1 Amelie Mauresmo has previously said that the sport shouldn’t resume until a vaccine is made available to players.
Nevertheless, Djokovic has reiterated his stance on the issue in a fresh statement issued to the New York Times by his management. The Serbian is well known for embracing alternative medicine as long with the more traditional methods. Saying in 2018 that he likes to find a balance between both of them.
“I am no expert, but I do want to have an option to choose what’s best for my body,” he said. “I am keeping an open mind, and I’ll continue to research on this topic because it is important and it will affect all of us.”
“To be honest, just like the rest of the world I am a bit confused. Despite having access to information and resources, I am left in doubt about what could be the best thing to do.”
Djokovic, who is the president of the influential ATP Player Council, started 2020 by winning 18 consecutive matches before the Tour was suspended.
