Novak Djokovic: Better to be out of Wimbledon than to be vaccinated

Djokovic would rather forego further chances of great tennis success than get vaccinated against the coronavirus. The 20-time Grand Slam tournament winner said that in one go with the BBC -Interview. The 34-year-old was asked whether he would sacrifice participation in Grand Slam tournaments such as the French Open or Wimbledon because of his stance on vaccination. “Yes, that is the price I am willing to pay,” said the Serb.

“I was never against vaccinations,” said Djokovic, explaining that he was vaccinated as a child. But he wants to have the freedom to choose what is put into his body. But Djokovic also said he could imagine getting vaccinated in the future “because we all have to try together to find the best possible solution to end Covid.”

After his expulsion from Australia, Djokovic returns to the tour next week at the tennis tournament in Dubai. Djokovic, who was not vaccinated against Covid-19, had to leave Australia the evening before the start of the Australian Open in mid-January. The record champion of the Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne failed in his appeal against the cancellation of his visa in the Federal Court. Strict Corona rules apply in Australia; in principle, only people who have been fully vaccinated against the virus are allowed to enter.

World number one Djokovic said he had received a medical exemption to enter Australia to play in the Grand Slam tournament because he had recovered from Covid illness. In Melbourne, the Spaniard Rafael Nadal won the Australian Open and, with his 21st Grand Slam title, overtook Djokovic and the Swiss Roger Federer at the top of this ranking. Declaration of war on the competition Djokovic said he hoped that the Covid regulations would change in future tournaments and that he would then be able to “play for many more years.” He is ready and strong enough to become statistically the greatest tennis player of all time and to surpass Nadal, who has just won at the Australian Open.

To achieve this goal, it is extremely important to listen to your body, assured Djokovic. This principle is more important for his future career on the tennis court “than any title or anything else. I try to be in harmony with my body as best I can.” In order to stay fit and healthy, he has always been very intensively concerned with the topics of wellness, health and nutrition. For example, he changed his diet and sleeping times with a view to his performance.

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Novak Djokovic: Better to be out of Wimbledon than to be vaccinated

The Corona issue surrounding Novak Djokovic never ends. Now the Serbian superstar is making controversial statements.

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