The Metro reports that the world number 1, Novak Djokovic, who is widely regarded as the G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time), has hinted a possible exit from tennis after revealing he is an anti-vaxxer, which could prevent him from competing if he does not get vaccinated against the Coronavirus
The Serbian would normally be preparing for the French Open right now but the Covid-19 pandemic has seen all sports across the globe postponed or cancelled as health services try and defeat the virus.
Hospitals around the world have come under enormous stress as they try to deal with the outbreak and the spread will only be reduced after a mass roll-out of vaccinations – which could take 12-18 months to happen.
There have been growing calls for sport – and tennis in particular – to only return to action once a vaccination has been produced, but Djokovic has claimed he is uncomfortable with that idea.
“Personally I am opposed to vaccination and I wouldn’t want to be forced by someone to take a vaccine in order to be able to travel,” the World No.1 said in a Facebook live chat with several fellow Serbian athletes on Sunday.
“But if it becomes compulsory, what will happen? I will have to make a decision. I have my own thoughts about the matter and whether those thoughts will change at some point, I don’t know.”
“Hypothetically, if the season was to resume in July, August or September, though unlikely, I understand that a vaccine will become a requirement straight after we are out of strict quarantine and there is no vaccine yet.”
Djokovic’s stance has not been shared with some, with mass vaccinations considered vital to the prevention and eradication of coronavirus. “We need a vaccine. However, the vaccine is only effective in preventing the disease if we have appropriate vaccine uptake,’ says Dr Scott Ratzan, founder of the International Working Group (IWG) on Vaccination and Public Health Solutions.”
Djokovic is the reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champion.
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