Novak Djokovic has refused to state whether he will take the COVID-19 vaccination ahead of his semi-final in Belgrade.
The Serb has bounced back in convincing fashion this week after failing to win back-to-back matches in Monte-Carlo.
A 6-1 6-3 win over fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanovic secured his place in the last four in Belgrade.
However it was his post-match press conference that took centre stage after Djokovic was once again asked about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Having tested positive for coronavirus last year and previously stated he’s against a compulsory COVID-19 vaccine, the question was once again put to him as vaccinations are being offered at this week’s tournament in Serbia.
However Djokovic refused to state whether he will or won’t take the vaccine as he believes in freedom of choice and keeping things private, “I don’t think it’ll come to that. I hope not, because I’ve always believed in freedom of choice,” the world number one said on compulsory vaccines.
“And I will keep the decision as to whether I’m going to get vaccinated or not to myself, it’s an intimate decision and I don’t want to go into this game of pro and against vaccines, which the media is unfortunately creating these days.
“I don’t want to be labelled as someone who is against or who is for vaccines. I’m not going to answer the question and hope that everyone will respect that.”
In a time where people will look at Djokovic as a role model in this situation, his comments won’t be comforting to most people but as the Serb said everyone has a choice about whether they want to take the vaccine or not.
Meanwhile on the court, Djokovic will look to continue to build momentum ahead of Roland Garros as he takes on Aslan Karatsev in a rematch from the Australian Open semi-finals.
The other semi-final sees Taro Daniel take on Matteo Berrettini with play beginning at 5pm local time.
