Stefanos Tsitisipas’ recent comments concerning the COVID-19 vaccination had attracted widespread media interest but perhaps the most critical responses have come from his native country.
Earlier this week the world No.3 said he would not have a COVID-19 vaccine unless it was mandatory to do so on the Tour. On Thursday he spoke further about the matter when questioned in Greek about his view at the Western and Southern Open. Tsitsipas argued that he doesn’t want to receive it yet because it has ‘not been tested enough.’ He went on to say young people catching the virus is ‘good’ because it helps build up their immunity to the virus. Making reference to the concept of herd immunity which is when a substantial amount of the population is immune to a pathogen, either by vaccination or prior infection, stopping infection numbers from growing. However, in the case of COVID-19, it is debatable about the effectiveness of this approach due to the various variants of the virus.
It was Tsitsipas’ latest remarks which caused a backlash in his home country of Greece with even a member of the government addressing what he said. Spokesman Giannis Economou said the tennis star didn’t have the relevant knowledge to question the effectiveness of the vaccine.
“Stefanos Tsitsipas is a great athlete, his skills in sports and his contribution to sports in the country is unquestionable,” said Economou. “What is at stake, however, is his ability to assess the need for vaccinations or whether the vaccine has been tested for a sufficient period of time. And it is questionable why he has neither the knowledge nor the studies nor the research work that would allow him to form an opinion about it.”
“Those who through their excellent presence and performance in other places are also a point of reference for wider social groups, it would be good to be doubly careful in expressing such views.” He added.
The criticism of Tsitsipas didn’t just come from the government with various health officials also speaking out on the matter. Mina Gaga is the director of the 7th Pulmonary Clinic of Sotiria hospital in Athens. In a post on Facebook, she called out her compatriot for saying it was a good thing for young people to contract the virus.
“The last three months (we) needed to treat 229 young people up to (the age of) 29 years. They had severe pneumonia, needed oxygen support, high flow and non-invasive ventilation and yet 9 needed ICU. The United States counts more than 2,500 deaths at this age. They are a few; Aren’t young people at risk?” Gaga wrote.
“Stefan, be strong and keep playing tennis, that’s where you make us proud.”
Athanasios Exadaktylos is the president of the Panhellenic Medical Association and is a member of the health’s ministry’s advisory committee. Speaking to skai.gr, he said it would have been better if Tsitsipas never spoke about the topic. He adds that hospitals in the country are ‘full of unvaccinated people who are seriously ill.’
“We were saddened by Mr. Tsitsipas’ statements, it would have been better if he had not (commented),” said Exadaktylos.
Responding to the criticism, Tsitsipas’ father Apostolos Tsitsipas spoke with public broadcaster ERT where he argued that athletes have a strong enough immune system to deal with any issue such as COVID-19. Therefore, it isn’t as vital for them to be vaccinated compared to others in his view.
“He did not have to get the vaccine, like most of his fellow athletes. Athletes have a strong enough immune system to deal with any challenge that may arise. They take the necessary measures (masks, controlled movements), are in a controlled environment and do PCR and ANTIGEN TESTS almost every day as each of us imagines when needed,” Apostolos told ERT.
“Everyone, depending on their needs, appreciates the conditions and acts. “As for the need for vaccines, I believe we have a large number of great scientists and great doctors and I am convinced that they can and must inform citizens about what they need to do to protect their health.”
Tsitsipas beat Lorenzo Sonego in three sets to reach the third round of the Cincinnati Masters on Thursday. He will next play Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Note: quotes obtained via news outlets Gazzetta.gr/SDNA/ERT/SKAI
