Home/RT - Daily news/‘I will not reveal my status’: Djokovic claims it would be ‘inappropriate’ to declare whether he is vaccinated as visa issue looms
‘I will not reveal my status’: Djokovic claims it would be ‘inappropriate’ to declare whether he is vaccinated as visa issue looms
Novak Djokovic says people are "taking the liberty" to ask questions about vaccine status and "judge a person", speaking as an Australian head of government warned that unvaccinated players will face a struggle to receive visas.
World number one Djokovic has repeatedly expressed his reservations about players being pressured to take a Covid jab, and the reigning Australian Open champion insists his decision is a "private matter" amid a string of controversies surrounding the likes of NBA star Kyrie Irving, who has been left out by the Brooklyn Nets because he is not vaccinated.
Djokovic rival Stefanos Tsitsipas found himself at the center of a political row after he made a wide range of remarks about Covid and vaccines, and the Greek – whose own government seemed to distance themselves from views which appeared to include a suggestion that spreading the virus could have positive effects – now appears to be willing to be vaccinated.
Russian contender Andrey Rublev has become the latest player to drop their apparent reluctance because of the logistical issues not being vaccinated could cause, but Djokovic is yet to openly say he has had the treatment.
The sixth racket of the world, Andrei Rublev, will be vaccinated against the coronavirus to compete in the Australian Open Grand Slam series early next year.
“Things being as they are, I still don’t know if I will go to Melbourne,” Djokovic told Blic, speaking ahead of a first Grand Slam of the year in January which is likely to take place under tight restrictions.
“I will not reveal my status, whether I have been vaccinated or not – it is a private matter and an inappropriate inquiry.
“People go too far these days in taking the liberty to ask questions and judge a person.
“Whatever you say – ‘yes, no, maybe, I am thinking about it’ – they will take advantage.”
Daniel Andrews, the Premier of the state of Victoria, has reiterated how difficult it could be for unvaccinated stars to travel to the country, explaining that they may not be allowed in.
He’s being singled out because he has not once said he will change his mind.
Tsitsipas, Rublev and Medvedev have already said they’ll get vaccinated to play.
"The situation with Australia is such that if the players want to participate without quarantine, they must be vaccinated," he said, having effectively admitted in March that he would not choose to be vaccinated unless it conferred a "privilege".
"If you don't get the vaccine, then just sit in the room for two weeks and that's it.
"In my case, I'll get vaccinated. And whoever doesn't want [it], I think, will miss the tournament."
The Australian government could take the exact requirements for athletes out of the state authority's power.
“Of course I want to go," said Djokovic, discussing his potential attempt to win the trophy for a fourth successive edition.
"Australia is my most successful grand slam tournament. I want to compete. I love this sport and I am still motivated.
“I believe there will be a lot of restrictions just like this year, but I doubt there will be too many changes.
“My manager, who is in contact with the Australian tennis federation, tells me they are trying to improve the conditions for everyone – both for those who have been vaccinated and those who have not been.”
Read more
October 20, 2021 at 12:39AM
from RT - Daily news
via IFTTT
‘I will not reveal my status’: Djokovic claims it would be ‘inappropriate’ to declare whether he is vaccinated as visa issue looms
Reviewed by Unknown
on
October 20, 2021
Rating: 5
No comments