Djokovic will be looking to bounce back from the Australian Open controversy
Novak Djokovic opens up on Nick Kyrgios’ concerns over unvaccinated Australian Open players
World No.1 Novak Djokovic has responded to Nick Kyrgios after the Australian tennis player talked about the Serb’s participation in the Australian Open next year.
With uncertainties growing over the participation of unvaccinated players in the Australian Open, Djokovic’s involvement in next year’s Grand Slam is a doubt.
Having won nine Australian Opens, this is surely his favorite tournament. However, his participation is still in doubt as he has refused the Covid-19 jab as of now.
Djokovic declined to reveal his vaccination status earlier in October and said he was unsure if he would defend his title at Melbourne Park as authorities worked out Covid-19 restrictions for the tournament.
Djokovic responding to Kyrgios’s comments said:
“That was unexpected. Knowing what was coming from him towards me in the last couple of years. But this time I must agree with him that the freedom of choice is essential for everyone, whether it’s me or somebody else.”
“Doesn’t really matter whether it’s vaccination or anything else in life. You should have the freedom to choose, to decide what you want to do. In this particular case, what you want to put in your body.”
“It wouldn’t be “right” for unjabbed players to come to Melbourne.”
“I’m double-vaxxed but I just don’t think it’s right to force anyone, yet an athlete, (and say) you can’t come here and play because you’re not vaccinated.”
Few days later, the world No 90 took to his Instagram Story to backtrack on his comments.
“To say that I’d want the Australian Open cancelled, I think that was the sentence that got taken out of context.”
“I don’t think it’s morally right to accept players from overseas that are not vaccinated to come into our country and waltz around Melbourne free-will to play the Australian Open.”
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