Novak Djokovic reveals he will MISS the French Open and Wimbledon if he requires a Covid vaccine

Novak Djokovic has revealed that he will not participate in future Grand Slams if it means he has to take a Covid vaccination, sacrificing his prospects of becoming tennis’ greatest ever male athlete. 

The Serbian, 34, was last month deported from Australia amid a row over his vaccination status, with the government cancelling his visa ahead of the Australian Open.

The World No 1 said he had obtained a medical exemption to compete at the tournament as he had recently recovered from the virus.

However, Australia’s Immigration Minister claimed that Djokovic’s presence in Melbourne would cause ‘civil unrest’ and subsequently deported him.

Djokovic’s rival Rafael Nadal went onto win the tournament Down Under, taking the Spaniard’s Grand Slam tally to 21, one more than the Serbian’s haul of 20. 

Now, Djokovic says he would choose not play at future tournaments – foregoing his chance to be considered, statistically, tennis’ greatest male player – if he has to take the vaccine to compete.

‘Yes, that is the price that I’m willing to pay,’ he told the BBC. 

Djokovic also distanced himself from the anti-vaxx movement, revealing that he was vaccinated as a child, but believes in his freedom to ‘choose what you put in your body.’ 

More to follow.