Tennis-Star
London (AP) – Novak Djokovic does not want to deviate from his principles in the hunt for further Grand Slam titles either.
Even at the risk of not being able to compete as defending champion at the French Open in Paris at the end of May and at the classic grass lawn in Wimbledon in June, the 34-year-old Serb continues to refuse vaccination against the corona virus for the time being. That’s what the 20-time Grand Slam champion said in a BBC interview. Djokovic was asked if he would sacrifice attending Grand Slam tournaments like the French Open or Wimbledon because of his stance on vaccination. “Yes, that’s the price I’m willing to pay,” said the world number one.
Djokovic, who was not vaccinated against Covid-19, had to leave Australia the evening before the start of the Australian Open in mid-January. The record winner of the Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne had failed with an appeal against the cancellation of his visa before the federal court. Strict corona rules apply in Australia, in principle only people who have been fully vaccinated against the virus are allowed to enter the country.
Djokovic referred to a medical exemption when he entered Australia because he had recovered from corona disease. However, there was much debate surrounding the Serb’s positive and negative PCR tests in the Melbourne days. International media, such as the “Spiegel” among others, had researched that something was wrong with the batch numbers of Djokovic’s tests.
Tournament start in Dubai
Following his expulsion from Australia, Djokovic returns to the tour at next week’s tournament in Dubai. It will be his first appearance this year. A negative PCR test is sufficient to take part in the event. The players do not have to be vaccinated against Corona.
“I was never against vaccinations,” said Djokovic, explaining that he had been vaccinated as a child. But he wants the freedom to choose what goes into his body. However, he does not want to completely rule out the possibility that he will still be vaccinated against Corona. He could imagine getting vaccinated in the future, “because we all have to try together to find the best possible solution to end Covid.”
However, he is more likely to be banking on the pandemic ending soon. He hopes that the Covid regulations will change in future tournaments and that he will then “be able to play for many more years,” said Djokovic. He is ready and strong enough to statistically become the greatest tennis player of all time and to outperform his Spanish competitor Rafael Nadal, who was just successful at the Australian Open.
Djokovic listens to his body
For this goal it is extremely important to listen to your body, assured Djokovic. This principle is more decisive for his future career on the tennis court than any title or anything else. I try to be in harmony with my body as much as I can.” In order to stay fit and healthy, he has always dealt intensively with the topics of wellness, health and nutrition. For example, he changed his diet and his sleeping times with a view to his performance.
In Djokovic’s absence, Nadal had triumphed at the Australian Open, passing Djokovic and injured Swiss Roger Federer (20 each) with his 21st Grand Slam title.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:220215-99-131653/7
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