Throughout the COVID pandemic, Novak Djokovic repeatedly made headlines for both his refusal to get vaccinated against the disease and for unapologetically breaking social distancing regulations several times. In fact, the Serbian star stated that he would rather skip tournaments in certain countries rather than get vaccinated.
That led Novak Djokovic to miss tournaments on US and Canadian soil, including the US Open, Indian Wells Masters, Cincinnati Masters, and Canadian Masters. All that has been put behind in 2023 but the 36-year-old has recently reflected on his decision.
Novak Djokovic gets brutally honest on his vaccine views
Novak Djokovic in a recent interview spoke about his vaccination stance last year, as he explained that he is not against vaccinations. The Serbian’s unpopular opinion about the vaccines sparked controversy in the tennis world.
“People tried to, you know, declare me as an anti-vax. I’m not anti-vax. Nor am I pro-vax. I’m pro freedom to choose,” Djokovic said.
The decision not to be vaccinated had a huge significance on Djokovic’s career. The Serbian had won the Wimbledon 2022 but couldn’t play at the Cincinnati Open and US Open due to being banned from the country because of his decision. Perhaps, Novak Djokovic would have had more Grand Slam trophies if not for the restriction.
Djokovic’s choice not to be vaccinated also contributed to his deportation from Australia in 2022, which further impacted his tennis legacy. Djokovic spoke many times about his choice, admitting he was comfortable with it despite the implications. He stood his ground, which was important to him, adding that he is not anti-vax, as he repeated recently in an interview for CBS’ 60 Minutes.
Novak Djokovic who was banned for not taking COVID vaccine
In the wake of the pandemic, Novak Djokovic’s application to enter the US and play in the Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open was sternly rejected. Djokovic, who didn’t want to get vaccinated was also banished from various U.S. and Australian Opens.
Florida senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio had sent a letter to the White House seeking a waiver for the Djokovic, but they were dismissed. However, it sounded hilarious when unvaccinated American players were allowed to play in the tournaments. Yet seemingly Djokovic, one of the healthiest humans on the planet, was the greatest threat to public safety.
“I have no regrets,” Djokovic told CNN. “I’ve learned through life that regrets only hold you back and basically make you live in the past. I don’t want to do that. I also don’t want to live too much in the future. I want to be as much as in the present moment but of course think about future, create a better future.”
“But at the same time, it’s the conscious decision I made and I knew that there is always a possibility that I won’t go,” Djokovic said. “It’s the current state or current situation that I hope will change for later this year, for the US Open. That’s the most important tournament for me on American soil.”
Nevertheless, all the troubles Djokovic has been put to bed as mandatory vaccination has been removed from USA lists of protocols, allowing the Serbian to compete and win the Cincinnati Open and US Open in September.
