"I'm not anti-vax, I’m pro-freedom to choose": Novak Djokovic silences perception of COVID-19 vaccine beliefs
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic was banned from tournaments and up until this year couldn't enter the US due to his views on the COVID-19 vaccine and refusing to take it which almost put his career on hold.
Sitting down for a lengthy interview with prominent journalist, Jon Wertheim, this notion that he is anti-vax was firmly put to bed by the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
'Novax' silences critics
Seen by some as Novax in a new nickname during the debacle, he didn't play for most of the COVID era due to not being allowed to albeit he reiterated both in this interview and also in the past, that he is solely freedom to choose and doesn't sit on either side of the fence.
While he himself doesn't want the vaccine, he said he simply just wants the freedom to choose and isn't for or against any side of the argument as a result. Since then with countries opening up due to COVID and a change in government meaning Djokovic's Australian Open charge could resume after being banned after deportation gate, he has resumed his dominance.
Albeit he will feel aggrieved himself that he couldn't add even more Grand Slam titles due to this saga which has been a dominating factor at times in his recent career and the discourse surrounding the Serbian great.
"Correct me if I’m wrong, you were not against vaccination, you just did not want it for yourself," said Wertheim asking Djokovic about his beliefs.
“Exactly, people try to, you know, declare me as an anti-vax. I’m not anti-vax, nor am I pro-vax, I’m pro-freedom to choose," retorted Djokovic.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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