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19 February, 2026, 2:25 pm
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19 February, 2026, 2:25 pm Central - 30°C Rain

Novak Djokovic willing to miss tournaments over vaccine

Novak Djokovic willing to miss tournaments over vaccine

By Navitalai Naivalurua
16/02/2022
[Photo: NBC 2]

World number 1 men's tennis player Novak Djokovic has made it clear that he would rather miss out on future tennis trophies than be forced to get a COVID vaccine.

Speaking exclusively to BBC, Djokovic said missing competitions, such as the French Open, over his jab status, was the price he is willing to pay.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner was deported from Australia last month after the government cancelled his visa in a row over his vaccine status.

Djokovic described the conditions while he was detained as very hard.

He said he had not spoken out in the media as he wanted to respect the legal process and the Australian Open.

The Serbian said he was never against vaccination but always supported the freedom people have to choose what they put in their bodies.

Djokovic adds he should not be associated with the anti-vax movement, but supported an individual's right to choose.

FNRL
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