The tennis player Novak Djokovicwho was deported from Australia in January for not being vaccinated against covid-19, said on Tuesday that he would be willing to sacrifice major tournaments rather than be forced to be vaccinated against covid, but has rejected being associated with the anti-vaccine movement.
In an interview with the British network BBC, the player affirmed that he supports a person’s right to choose and that he has always been an advocate of well-being and nutrition.
When asked if he would sacrifice tournaments like Wimbledon or Roland Garros, the tennis player replied: “Yes, that’s the price I’m willing to pay”.
Regarding the controversy over his Australian visa and his absence in the first Grand Slam of the season, Djokovic indicated that hHe had obtained a medical certificate that allowed him to enter Australian territory because he had recovered from covid-19.
“My decisions are more important than any title or anything else. I try to be in tune with my body as much as I can”
However, the country’s immigration minister, Alex Hawke, canceled the player’s visa on the grounds that his presence in Australia was a cause of “civic unrest” and gave impetus to those who do not support the immunization programme.
“I have never been against vaccination,” he said. the tennis player when referring to the fact that he had received vaccines as a child, but stressed that he always supported “the freedom of what you put in your body.”
This is the first interview he has given since he was arrested in January in Melbourne and subsequently deported.
Sacrifice stats
Djokovic, number one in the world, hoped that they can change the vaccination requirements for certain tennis tournaments and expressed his wish to be able to play for many more years.
Nevertheless, he was willing to sacrifice statistics and the possibility of being the best tennis player of all time in order to defend their right not to be vaccinated.
On the decisions he can make, he added that “they are more important than any title or anything else.” “I try to stay in tune with my body as much as I can.”
The player also pointed out how important diet and sleep have been when performing as an athlete.
However, he was open to the possibility of getting vaccinated in the future. “We all try to collectively find the best possible solution to end covid,” opined.
“I have never been against vaccination. I understand globally, everyone is trying to make a huge effort to deal with this virus and hopefully see an end to this virus soon,” he added.
