Novak
Djokovic received the "Moderna Shot of the Day" award for a point
played during the US Open final.
The Serbian
tennis player, who has been a subject of discussion regarding COVID-19
vaccines, found himself in an ironic situation at Flushing Meadows. His shot
was named the 'Moderna Shot Of The Day,' which is amusing considering that just
a year earlier, he had declined the Moderna vaccine.
Djokovic's
vaccine refusal wasn't limited to Moderna; he declined all vaccines, regardless
of the manufacturer. He maintained a steadfast stance against vaccination,
arguing that everyone should have autonomy over their own bodies.
This
decision had consequences for his participation in several tournaments,
including the 2022 US Open and the 2022 Australian Open, as he was excluded
from them. The United States didn't allow the entry of unvaccinated foreign
nationals, which prevented Djokovic from competing in these events.
However,
this year was different, as the US Open did not mandate vaccination for
players. Even though there were unvaccinated American tennis players competing,
Djokovic was able to enter the country and participate in the tournament.
Ironically,
Djokovic won the "Moderna Shot Of The Day" award during the final
match of the tournament. It's amusing that the only recognition related to
Moderna that he accepted was this one, considering his previous stance.
Read also
The shot in
question was the championship point, which is interesting in itself because it
wasn't a technically spectacular shot. There were better shots during the
match, but this one was chosen due to its importance in the final.
In the end,
Djokovic was awarded the "Moderna Shot Of The Day" one year after
refusing another "shot" from Moderna. After his participation in the
US Open, Djokovic will play in the Davis Cup, where he will be the top singles
player for his country and will debut in a match against Spain.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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