Tennis
Tennis star Novak Djokovic would rather give up further chances of great victories than be vaccinated against the corona virus. That’s what the 20-time Australian Open“>Grand Slam winner said in a BBC interview. “Yes, that’s the price I’m willing to pay,” said the 34-year-old when asked if he would sacrifice participating in Grand Slam tournaments like the French Open and Wimbledon because of his stance on vaccination.
“I was never against vaccinations,” said Djokovic, explaining that he had been vaccinated as a child. But he wants the freedom to choose what goes into his body. However, Djokovic also said that he could imagine getting vaccinated in the future “because we all have to try together to find the best possible solution to end Covid”.
Djokovic, who was not vaccinated against Covid-19, had to leave Australia shortly before the start of the Australian Open in January. The record champion of the Grand Slam tournament had failed with an objection to the cancellation of his visa before the federal court. Strict coronavirus rules apply in Australia, and only people who have been fully vaccinated against the virus are allowed to enter the country.
World number one Djokovic said he received a medical exemption to enter Australia to play in the Grand Slam tournament because he had recovered from Covid-19. In Melbourne, Rafael Nadal had won the Australian Open and overtaken Djokovic and Roger Federer at the top of the rankings with his 21st Grand Slam title. Djokovic returns to the tour next week at the tournament in Dubai, which has looser coronavirus regulations than many other countries.
Djokovic hopes for changes in the CoV regulations
He hopes that the CoV regulations will change in future tournaments and that he can then “play for many more years,” said Djokovic. He is ready and strong enough to statistically become the greatest tennis player of all time and to surpass Nadal, who has just been successful at the Australian Open.
For this goal it is extremely important to listen to your body, assured Djokovic. This principle is more decisive for his further career on the tennis court “than any title or anything else. I try to be in harmony with my body as much as I can.” In order to stay fit and healthy, he has always dealt intensively with the topics of wellness, health and nutrition. For example, he changed his diet and his sleeping times with a view to his performance.
