After confirming that he is prepared to miss Grand Slam events over his decision to not have a COVID-19 vaccination, Novak Djokovic has been given a boost from a key Masters event.
Earlier this week the world No.1 told the BBC that he still has reservations about having the vaccine despite it being approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). Djokovic, who was deported from Australia last month following an argument over the validity of his visa, says he is conscious about the possible effect it could have on his body. According to the ATP, he is the only player in the top 100 not to have had a vaccine.
“I was never against vaccination but I’ve always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body.” Said Djokovic.
“The principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else. I’m trying to be in tune with my body as much as I possibly can.” He later added.
The stance of the tennis star doesn’t come without its consequences. The 20-time Grand Slam champion now faces the possibility of not being able to play some key tournaments over the coming weeks due to his decision. The most problematic for him at present is America where the government requires all arrivals to be vaccinated and only allow limited exceptions. The country will hold both the Miami Masters and Indian Wells Masters next month. If Djokovic doesn’t play, he risks the possibility of losing his No.1 position (if he hasn’t already lost it by then).
Fortunately there is some good news for Djokovic when it comes to the clay court swing after a government official gave him the green light to play at the Italian Masters. A tournament he has already won on five previous occasions. Valentina Vezzali, who is a former athlete working as the Undersecretary to Sport for the Ministry of Sports, confirmed to La Republica that Djokovic will be allowed to play based on the current rules.
“There is no demand for green passes in outdoor matches, so Djokovic, if he wants to come and play in Italy, can do so. He cannot be without a pass in hotels and restaurants, but he can play,” said Vezzali.
“We must also keep in mind that from March 31, depending on the fall of the epidemiological curve, the emergency situation may end. We will assess everything well before the decision,” she added.
However, it is less clear about Djokovic’s participation in the French Open in three months time. As it currently stands a vaccine passport is required to enter certain venues and areas of the country. The French government has previously said that athletes will have to be vaccinated if they want to play tournaments in their country. These rules could change in the coming weeks with Health Minister Olivier Véran saying he hopes to start lightening the Vaccine pass policy from mid-March.
Djokovic will return to action next week at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
