"I was always pro freedom to choose": Djokovic says he was never anti-vax, adds he felt like he was 'a villain of the world'
ATPWednesday, 13 September 2023 at 22:30
Novak
Djokovic, fresh off his triumphant win at the 2023 US Open, has vehemently
denied any claims of being anti-vaccine.
These past
few weeks have been nothing short of golden for Djokovic at Flushing Meadows,
where he clinched his 24th Grand Slam title and emerged from the tournament as
the new world No. 1, displacing Carlos Alcaraz, who fell in the semifinals to
Daniil Medvedev.
In the
final showdown, Djokovic secured a resounding victory against the Russian
powerhouse Medvedev with a scoreline of 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3. It was a sweet
redemption for the Serbian, a stark contrast to their encounter in the 2021 US
Open final when Medvedev claimed his maiden Grand Slam.
Djokovic
recently engaged in a conversation with John McEnroe during an interview on
McEnroe's Places podcast. He addressed the challenges he faced gaining entry to
tournaments, including the 2022 US Open, due to various countries'
vaccine-related restrictions.
Djokovic
clarified his stance, stating, "I was never anti-vax; I was always
pro-freedom-to-choose. And that's something that we took for granted. I didn't
feel like a lot of people had a choice, really. I just wanted to compete, and I
wanted to play tennis because that's what I do best."
Djokovic's
monumental win also drew him level with Margaret Court as the two tennis titans
with the most Grand Slam victories in history, both boasting an impressive 24
titles. This achievement places them ahead of the likes of Serena Williams and
Steffi Graf, who have 23 each, and Rafael Nadal with 22.
Read also
Following
his US Open victory, Djokovic made his way to Valencia to represent his country
in the Davis Cup. There, he is set to face Alejandro Davidovich as the top
singles player for their respective nations.
The Serbian superstar, having
recently attended his brother Djordje's son's christening and celebrated his
country's success at the US Open, was spotted in the company of his
physiotherapist, Miljan Amanovic, and his brother Marko.
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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