"What does Djokovic do next" - Tim Henman believes the Serbian's career is at risk due to his vaccine stance

Former British No.1 Tim Henman has warned Novak Djokovic that the Serbian could be risking the rest of his career due to his unyielding stance against the Covid vaccine.

Djokovic was unceremoniously deported from Australia following a fiasco over his visa application and medical exemption status. As a result, the defending Australian Open champion was unable to compete for a record 10th trophy at Melbourne Park.

Henman believes it is up to each individual player whether they get vaccinated or not. However, the 47-year-old admitted travel restrictions for unvaccinated players could affect Djokovic’s career.

"I think, unfortunately, when you reflect on the Djokovic fiasco, it was a shambles really and I think it was very disappointing that it got to that stage of getting into Australia and then being in a quarantine hotel for four days, getting out and then finally being deported," said Henman on Eurosport.

"There were no winners. It wasn’t good for Tennis Australia, I don’t think it reflected well on the government and obviously with Djokovic not being able to play in the Australian Open, it’s disappointing for the event and the fans and Djokovic himself, so fingers crossed we don’t have to witness something like that in the future."

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Henman posed the question of what Djokovic would do if the World No.1 was unable to attend certain events due to his vaccination status, adding that it was up to each player to get vaccinated but that decision could affect their professional career.

“I think for me the question mark moving forward is: what does Djokovic do next?" asked Henman. "It would be very difficult for him to move forward with his professional career if he’s not double vaccinated - it would seem he is going to be very limited in the countries he can get into.

“I’m very interested to see what he does next and I would emphasize that it is absolutely his prerogative. Whether any individual wants to get vaccinated or not is his or her decision - but certainly as a tennis fan and seeing what Djokovic has been able to achieve on the court, I very much hope we see him back competing soon.”

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