The long-time doubles partner of France’s Pierre-Hughes Herbert has backed his decision to not get vaccinated against COVID-19 and miss the Australian Open but warns it could make life on the Tour more difficult for him.
Nicolas Mahut says he respects the decision of Herbert who confirmed earlier this week that he isn’t vaccinated against the virus. As a consequence, he will not be allowed to play in the first Grand Slam of the new year due to a health mandate implemented by the Victorian government which required all players to be vaccinated unless they qualify for a medical exemption. 30-year-old Herbert is currently ranked eighth in the ATP doubles rankings and won the 2019 Australian Open title with Mahut.
During an interview with L’Alsace, the Frenchman said getting a vaccine is a ‘personal choice’ and has no regrets about his decision.
“Personally, I am not vaccinated and the trip to Australia was not an option for me,” he said.
“It is certain that from the moment when I could not go there without being vaccinated, it necessarily complicated things. And there is not only Australia. Today, there is the United States, Austria…It is a rather complex topic.
“On the other hand, it is a personal choice not to get the vaccine.”
On the other hand Mahut is fully vaccinated and will be travelling to Australia where he is teaming up with Fabrice Martin. He told newspaper L’Equipe that he has known about Herbert’s decision since October. Herbert confirmed the following month that he is not double-jabbed when questioned by reporters at the Paris Masters.
“He does not want to be vaccinated, at least until now, and he measures the consequences of his decision. He is well aware that this could seriously complicate his season. The question arises in particular for the trip to Indian Wells and Miami (next March).” Mahut commented.
Over the coming months it is likely that more countries will require tennis players to be vaccinated in order to enter. UbiTennis can confirm that during January Challenger tournaments in America, Puerto Rico and Chile will only allow vaccinated entrants to play. This could be expanded to more tournaments, especially in America. However, certain events are able to apply for exemptions to local authorities to overcome this. So it is possible that unvaccinated players will not be allowed to play Challenger events but can play at high-level tournaments if they have received a special status.
“I am not on the side of people who judge and who say that it is good or that it is bad. I respect his decision,” Mahut said. “I didn’t make that choice, I got vaccinated very early on, but I totally understand. It’s a very personal choice.’
“I do not know to what extent he will hold his convictions. To what extent it risks undermining him and preventing him from carrying out his job. When I say that I refuse to go play in China to support Peng Shuai, it’s easy, it doesn’t impact my season. He, on the other hand, can put his season in danger,” he added.
Herbert and Mahut have been one of the most successful doubles pairings in recent years. Together they have won seven Masters 1000 tournaments, five Grand Slam titles and two ATP Finals trophies.
