Novak Djokovic, currently ranked No. 1 in men’s single tennis.
This is a concern that many people have, so it’s a good thing that a prominent figure voices it openly.
World No 1 Novak Djokovic’s opposition to vaccines could stand in the way of his return to tennis when it eventually it resumes following the coronavirus pandemic.
A push is growing for all players to be vaccinated when tennis starts again, provided one is produced by then.
Former world No 1 Amelie Mauresmo last month said tennis should not resume unless players can be vaccinated, although the scientific community has repeatedly said that may be a year away.
‘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 a live Facebook chat with several fellow Serbian athletes on Sunday.
‘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.
‘Hypothetically, if the season was to resume in July, August or September, though unlikely, I understand that a vaccine will become a requirement straight after we are out of strict quarantine and there is no vaccine yet.’
Dual grand slam winner Mauresmo last month tweeted: ‘International circuit players of all nationalities plus management, spectators and people from the four corners of the world who bring these events to life. No vaccine = no tennis.’
Governing bodies having suspended all tournaments until July 13, so far. Wimbledon has been cancelled for the first time since World War II, and the French Open has been put back four months until late September.
If the vaccine becomes compulsory, he will have to decide whether to continue playing tennis or refuse the vaccine.
But it can actually get scarier than that.
If the vaccine is compulsory in one area, it is likely to be compulsory in other areas too. Probably in most areas.
Everyday people will have to decide if they want to be allowed to work and have a social life, or if they want to refuse the vaccine.
Vaccination has been portrayed as the one true way out of the lockdown.
Experts want it.
Bill Gates wants it.
Governments want it.
Chances are they’re going to push hard for it without ever explaining how coronavirus is different than the regular flu and why we have to have our rights violated for a virus that is, at most, as dangerous as the regular flu.