Djokovic ‘not anti-vax’ but would rather skip events than be forced into jab

(FILES) This file photo taken on February 2, 2020 shows Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacting after a point against Austria’s Dominic Thiem during their men’s singles final match on day fourteen of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne. – In an interview published on February 15, 2022, world number one Novak Djokovic has claimed he is not anti-vaccination but would rather skip Grand Slams than be forced to get a Covid jab. (Photo by Greg WOOD / AFP) /

World number one Novak Djokovic has claimed he is not anti-vaccination but would rather skip Grand Slams than be forced to get a Covid jab.

The Serbian was deported in extraordinary circumstances on the eve of last month’s Australian Open where Rafael Nadal won a record 21st Grand Slam trophy to move ahead of Djokovic and Roger Federer on the all-time men’s list.

Djokovic was asked in an interview with the BBC, published on Tuesday if he would sacrifice taking part in events such as Wimbledon and the French Open over his stance on the vaccine.

“Yes, that is the price that I’m willing to pay,” Djokovic said, referring to giving up his chance to become the leading men’s Grand Slam winner.

Djokovic said he did not want to be associated with the anti-vax movement, but supported an individual’s right to choose.

“I was never against vaccination,” he said, adding he had received vaccines as a child. “But I’ve always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body.”

“The principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else,” he said.

“I’m trying to be in tune with my body as much as I possibly can.”

Djokovic arrived in Melbourne in January for the first Grand Slam of the year claiming he had obtained a medical exemption to enter the