I'm no anti-vaxxer: Novak

LONDON • Novak Djokovic is prepared to miss the French Open and Wimbledon if Covid-19 vaccination becomes mandatory at the Grand Slams but he is not against inoculation, the world No. 1 Serbian tennis player insisted yesterday.

Djokovic, who is unvaccinated, was barred from competing in this year's Australian Open, depriving the 34-year-old of the chance to become the most successful men's player with 21 Slam titles.

He was instead deported from Australia after an 11-day rollercoaster experience involving two visa cancellations, two court challenges and five nights in two stints at an immigration detention hotel.

"I understand the consequences of my decision," Djokovic told the BBC, adding that he was prepared not to travel to Australia due to his unvaccinated status alongside his three-year visa ban.

"I understand that not being vaccinated today, I am unable to travel to most of the tournaments at the moment. Yes, that is the price that I'm willing to pay."

A steely-eyed Djokovic said he hoped to compete for "many more years" but added that the freedom to choose what he wants to put into his body was more important to him than any title.

The Serb, however, distanced himself from the anti-vaccination movement and said he was keeping an open mind about taking the jab.

"I was never against vaccination," he said, adding that he took vaccines as a child. "But I've always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body.

"I understand that globally, everyone is trying to put a big effort into handling this virus and seeing an end soon to this virus."

Djokovic, who won the Australian Open, Wimbledon and French Open last year, is set to return to competitive action at an ATP tournament in Dubai next week for the first time since his deportation from Melbourne.

While Djokovic missed out on a chance in Melbourne to become the most successful men's player - rival Rafael Nadal nudged ahead by lifting the title last month - the road to back-to-back Wimbledon titles seems clear. Just a few days ago the unvaccinated are no longer required to quarantine in Britain - they just need to take a test before and after arrival.

The French Open in May could also be a possibility. French Health Minister Olivier Veran said this month that unless there is another wave, the vaccination passport - which is required for entry to sports venues - will no longer be obligatory "well before July".

The most problematic tournament for Djokovic at the moment is the US Open, where a vaccination certificate is required.

The Serb fuelled widespread anger in Australia when he was given a medical exemption from mandatory Covid-19 vaccination to compete at Melbourne Park on grounds that he recently contracted the virus. But he was detained by immigration authorities on arrival, released by a court order and then detained again before being deported.

The case stoked global debate and Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said Djokovic could be a threat to public order in the country because his presence would encourage anti-vaccination sentiment.

"I was really sad and disappointed with the way it all ended for me in Australia," Djokovic said, adding that he was deported despite following all rules.

"The reason why I was deported from Australia was because the Minister for Immigration used his discretion to cancel my visa based on his perception that I might create some anti-vax sentiment, which I completely disagree with."

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS