Dominic Thiem confirms he will get vaccinated

The decision of one of the more prominent players to get vaccinated will be something Australian Open officials are happy to see as the Austrian cites the event as the reason he decided to do so. Not long ago it became clear that unvaccinated players would not be able to compete at the event with Victoria State Premier David Andrews saying:

“[Grand Slam] titles won’t protect you. The only title that will protect you is you being able to have had your first dose and second dose.”

Many took this statement as a direct message to Novak Djokovic who has been prominently non-commital to a vaccine. The Serbian has yet to speak on the issue only saying a few months ago that he hopes that the Tour does not enforce vaccine mandates. The Australian Open did and Dominic Thiem cited that as a reason why he will be getting it.

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Talking to the Austrian DerStandard he admitted that he is waiting for the Novavax vaccine which is still undergoing phase III clinical trials with no full authorization issued yet. Asked why he is waiting on an unapproved vaccine with several approved ones available he simply said:

“Because the doctor said it was a good vaccine.”

Thiem did also disclose that he would take another vaccine if this one does not get approved in time for the Australian Open.