Novak Djokovic’s recent declaration that he is prepared to miss Grand Slam tournaments rather than be forced to have a COVID-19 vaccination has caused a stir in the sport but there is at least one player who has his full support.
On Tuesday a BBC interview with the 20-time Grand Slam was released in what was the first time he has spoken in public since being deported from Australia following an argument over the legitimacy of his visa. The Australian government made a decision to cancel Djokovic’s visa with one of the main reasons being that he could trigger unrest with anti-vax protesters. An allegation that he firmly denies. The world No.1 says his reason for not having a vaccine is because he has reservations about what it could do to his body in the long term. However, more than 95% of the men’s top 100 are fully vaccinated with very few reporting any adverse effects.
“I was never against vaccination but I’ve always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body.” Said Djokovic.
“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.” He later added.
Djokovic said that his hope is that others respect his view, even if they do not understand the logic of his stance with the possibility of his 2022 season being disrupted due to different countries rulings on vaccines upon entry.
Another player who missed the first Grand Slam of the season due to being unvaccinated was France’s Pierre-Huges Herbert. A top 10 doubles player who has won five major titles alongside compatriot Nicolas Mahut. Unlike Djokovic, he didn’t travel to Australia because he had no valid reason which would have allowed him a medical exemption in order to play.
“Freedom is stronger than tennis and everything else. I found myself a lot in the interview he (Djokovic) gave. Great respect for his position. He has convictions, respect,” Herbert told L’Equipe following his first round win at the Open 13.
Herbert has started his season by playing a series of Challenger and Tour events in his home country. He had previously said that getting vaccinated is a ‘personal choice.’ The ATP has in recent weeks been urging their players to have a vaccination but is unable to issue a mandatory requirement. This is because players are perceived as contractors of the Tour and not actual employees.
“I’m just super happy to be able to play in my situation,” he said. “It’s certain that I had very little future at the end of last year, so I’m just very happy to be on the court and to be able to play tournaments in France. We want to play in front of our public, that’s what motivates me and makes me want to be a tennis player.”
It is unclear if Herbert, who contracted COVID-19 last month, plans to to be vaccinated in the near future.
As for Djokovic, he is set to return to action next week at the Dubai Tennis Championships in what will be his first tournament of the year. Dubai currently has no rules in place regarding the entry of unvaccinated members of the public.
