BELGRADE, SERBIA - JUNE 12: Novak Djokovic (L) of Serbia relaxes with his wife Jelena Djokovic (R) after the exhibition doubles match of the Adria Tour charity exhibition hosted by Novak Djokovic, on June 12, 2020 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)Novak Djokovic wasn’t allowed to play in the Australian Open this year due to his vaccination status. The Serbian tennis star, who is unvaccinated, could be forced to miss other Grand Slam events moving forward this year, depending on what happens with the pandemic.
While Djokovic is ranked No. 1 in the world, he is reportedly committed to not playing in events that have vaccine mandates.
That means it could be a while until we see Djokovic back on the court in a big event.
“That is the price that I’m willing to pay,” Djokovic said.
Novak Djokovic says he won't play in future Grand Slams with COVID vaccine mandates, per @amolrajan
"That is the price that I'm willing to pay" pic.twitter.com/6szhSAgciZ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 15, 2022
Sports fans have taken to social media to weigh in.
We're not an airline but we do fly planes #Djokovic pic.twitter.com/wivO3L2dTp
— Ryanair (@Ryanair) February 15, 2022
I am grateful for the opportunity to answer questions from @amolrajan and set the record straight. Watch the full interview today at 8.30pm GMT on @BBC1 in the UK and BBC World.https://t.co/QkFH1p8GWJ
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) February 15, 2022
#novakdjokovic the greatest tennis player of all time is not willing to be coerced into taking that jab and will not take it in order to enter french open or Wimbledon if they require it. #THEGOAT pic.twitter.com/eUPRScODmo
— Gillian McKeith (@GillianMcKeith) February 15, 2022
Well done @r4today for devoting a seven minute unchallenged interview to Djokovic. Now in the interests of balance let's see seven minute interview with a nurse who has been working in a Covid ward.
— Peter Sturdgess (@petersturdgess) February 15, 2022
Djokovic is a 20-time Grand Slam champion, arguably the greatest men’s tennis player of all-time. He could add some more titles to that number, but apparently, he’s willing to miss out on those events due to his vaccination beliefs.
