Novak Djokovic has admitted he’s ‘confused’ with woes worsening after Australian Open row

Novak Djokovic: Martina Navratilova addresses situation

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Novak Djokovic is now facing a huge decision. Not only has he been denied the chance to play at this year’s Australian Open, but the French Open and US Open are poised to allow only vaccinated players into their own competitions. The Serb has admitted to being confused over the jab yet, if he’s to eclipse the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, he may now have no choice in the matter.

Djokovic recently travelled to Australia believing a medical exemption would allow him to take part in the Grand Slam.

What he didn’t anticipate, however, is the chaos that would follow.

The world No 1 was put in quarantine, like other passengers from overseas, upon arriving before a federal judge gave him the green light to play.

However, Australian authorities then rallied together to prevent Djokovic from taking to the court – insisting the presence of the controversial Serb could cause dissent across the nation.

Now, the matter is over once and for all.

Djokovic flew to Dubai, then to Belgrade, after the controversy and is now lying low as he ponders his next move.

THINK YOU KNOW SPORT? Test your sporting knowledge with our tricky quiz

Unfortunately for the 36-year-old, the future doesn’t exactly look bright. Not in light of recent developments.

The French sports ministry said on Monday there would be no exemptions from a new vaccine pass law, which requires people to have vaccination certificates to enter public places.

“This will apply to everyone who is a spectator or a professional sportsperson. And this until further notice,” the ministry said.

“As far as Roland Garros is concerned, it’s in May.

“The situation may change between now and then and we hope it’ll be more favourable. So we’ll see but clearly there’s no exemption.”

The US Open are poised to follow suit as well.

So that means Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam Djokovic may be able to play in this year. Even they’re offering no guarantees.

It is a mess. The whole situation, ugly. And it’s a situation that could define how the greats of tennis are viewed in the coming years ahead.

Djokovic currently has 20 Majors to his name, the same as long-term rivals Federer and Nadal.

But if he can only play in one Grand Slam out of four, his chances of moving ahead of the pair will be dealt a blow. They could potentially be in tatters.

Djokovic has often spoken about the vaccine and his stance on the matter. Previously, he admitted to being ‘confused’ over the jab while also admitting he’s ‘no expert’.

“I am no expert, but I do want to have an option to choose what’s best for my body,” the veteran has said before.

“I am keeping an open mind, and I’ll continue to research on this topic because it is important and it will affect all of us.

“To be honest, just like the rest of the world I am a bit confused. Despite having access to information and resources, I am left in doubt about what could be the best thing to do.”

Djokovic has also suggested his own views could potentially change in the future, too.

“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,” Djokovic said in 2020.

“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.”

However, he may now have to swallow his pride to keep his Grand Slam hopes alive.

And whether the prospect of being the GOAT, over being the poster boy of anti-vaxxers across the world, means more ultimately remains to be seen. 

Source: Read Full Article