Novak Djokovic Confirms He’s Pro-Choice, Not Anti-COVID-19 Vaccine; Gets Mixed Reaction From Fans, Haters

Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic finally spoke in his first interview since he was detained in Melbourne in January. He discussed his beliefs on the COVID-19 vaccination, saying he prefers to miss opportunities to dominate tennis tournaments rather than be compelled to get jabbed.

Djokovic Says He Is Not an Anti-vaxxer

In an interview with BBC, the world's number one tennis player clarified that he was "never against vaccination" and acknowledges the "big effort" of everybody to manage the spread of the virus. He even confirmed that he got vaccinated during childhood.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner's stance on COVID-19 vaccines: "I've always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body." That is why he said people should not tag him as an anti-vaxxer.

Djokovic stated that he had recently recovered from COVID-19 and had obtained a medical exemption to enter the country to compete in the Australian Open.

He also said he is willing to give up his chances to win competitions such as Wimbledon and the French Open over his standpoint on the vaccine. Djokovic considers it as the price that he is "willing to pay" because to him, "the principles of decision" on taking care of his body are "more important than any title or anything else." He noted that he is "trying to be in tune" with his body as much as he possibly can.

Djokovic On Deportation Issue

The Serbian tennis sensation was deported from Australia last month after the government canceled his visa in a row over his vaccine status. As per Al Jazeera, the country's immigration minister, Alex Hawke, personally revoked Djokovic's visa.

The 34-year-old tennis champion addressed the issue, saying that he was not deported from Australia because he did not get the COVID-19 vaccine or due to an "error" in his visa declaration. Djokovic pointed out that his documents were "actually approved and validated" by the Minister for Immigration and Australia's Federal Court.

He disclosed that the real reason why he was deported from Australia was "because the Minister for Immigration used his discretion" to cancel his visa as the official perceives that the tennis superstar "might create some anti-vax sentiment" in the country.

Mixed Reactions on Twitter

Meanwhile, his interview sparked various reactions. Some had expressed their appreciation for the athlete's stance on COVID-19 vaccines.

British scientist Jo Talbot Bowen tweeted: "This reveals the strong power of the [his] belief in the agency. Most of us do not live/work by our need for the agency as much as he? Novak Djokovic: I'm not anti-vax but will sacrifice trophies to maintain choice."

One user commented in favor of the athlete's decision." Novak Djokovic. human right of choice in a democratic society." said user TCat.

On the other hand, some blasted Djokovic's position on COVID-19 vaccination, which they consider risky.

"Another great friend died yesterday from COVID, so you @DjokerNole can shove your ill-informed dangerous comments where the sun don't shine." Sally Pethybridge tweeted.

User Alan Palmer used some sarcasm in his reaction to the matter: " tennis player and expert virologist, Professor Novak Djokovic..."

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Novak djokovic, Tennis, Australia