French tennis star Gael Monfils says he doesn’t regret getting vaccinated against COVID-19 after revealing that it is possible that he has suffered a reaction to it which has derailed his season.
Earlier this week the world No.25 issued a statement concerning a series of tournament withdrawals he has made since reaching the quarter-finals of the Australian Open last month. Monfils has only played one match on the Tour since the Grand Slam which has prompted speculation over his current fitness. Medical officials have advised the Frenchman to take a break from the sport in order to recover his body.
“Hello everyone, I wanted to give you some news following my recent tournament withdrawals. I suffered a small health glitch (probably following my third dose of vaccine). On the advice of my doctor, I decided to take time to rest. So unfortunately I will not be able to play the Davis Cup next week. I hope to be able to come back to the United States.” The 35-year-old wrote on social media.
Following the announcement, there has been a spark in some anti-vaccination movements using Monfils as an example to not receive the jab. For example, one website called ‘The Covid World’ claimed that he withdrew from the Davis Cup due to effects of the vaccination and gave no mention to Monfils stating that it was only a possibility. According to Reuters News agency, the website has a mission to “give a voice to the voiceless” in regard to adverse reactions to vaccines.
In light of the developments, Monfils has issued a second statement on Twitter stating that he is not pushing any anti-vaccination propaganda and has warned others against ‘appropriating words for political purposes’ or using his current health situation to ‘serve their convictions.’
“After several examinations, the doctors made a hypothesis about the potential nature of my state of health. The causes of (of my current issue) remain unclear and even the doctors cannot tell me exactly what it is due to,” he said.
“My goal was simply to be transparent with you and not to push anti-vax propaganda. Let’s stop appropriating everyone’s words for political purposes or simply to serve your convictions. I don’t regret getting vaccinated at all. Everyone does what he wants.”
According to an ATP spokesman, 99% of the top 100 have received a vaccination against COVID-19. The one exemption is world No.1 Novak Djokovic who ended up being deported from Australia following a dispute over his visa related to his vaccination status. During a BBC interview, the 20-time Grand Slam champion said he believes an individual has a right to choose and the reason why he hasn’t had one is because he has reservations about the possible impact it may have on his body.
“I was never against vaccination but I’ve always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body.” He said.
Djokovic has previously said he is prepared to miss tournaments, including Grand Slams, due to his vaccination status.
Meanwhile, Monfils is targeting a return to the Tour next month in America with Masters 1000 tournaments taking place in Miami and Indian Wells.
