World-famous tennis player Novak Djokovic has spoken out to CBS 60 Minutes about his controversial decision to refuse the vax. The interview did, of course, touch on other topics related to the 36-year-old’s decorated career. There were questions about his sometimes aggressive temperament and also the dedication it takes to be one of the best tennis players in the world. The elephant in the room, however, is that Djokovic risked his career over a polarizing decision that exceeded the popularity of his play on the tennis court.
Novak Djokovic was deported from Australia in January of 2022 after refusing to get vaccinated to play with COVID guidelines. The decision to deport him came after he was granted a VISA to stay in the country and play in the Australian Open. When he was given the “exception” VISA, this caused a public outcry from citizens of the country and abroad. Australians tend to dislike preferential treatment of some over others. Outrage from the general public over what looked like an unfair decision caused Australia to revoke Djokovic’s VISA and deport him before the Australian Open.
The decision to refuse or accept a vaccination request is unwinnable in the court of public opinion. If a person refuses the vax, then they are accused of being selfish and refusing to care for those around them. If a person accepts the vax, then they are accused of being sellout sheep who do whatever the Government of a country tells them. During the 60 Minutes interview, Djokovic said he is neither for nor against vaccination, rather he is all for the ability of people to choose what they’d like to do when it comes to their own health.
SOURCES:
Novak Djokovic on his opponents and becoming a “villain of the world” | 60 Minutes – CBS News
Novak Djokovic blames agent for Australian paperwork ‘mistake’ and admits not isolating after positive Covid result | Novak Djokovic | The Guardian
Novak Djokovic back in Australia a year after being deported – ESPN
Novak Djokovic: Tennis star deported after losing Australia visa battle
60 Minutes on X: ““I was basically declared as a villain of the world,” Djokovic says after a political firestorm about his unwillingness to get a COVID vaccination led to his deportation during last year’s Australian Open. https://t.co/YODLF44soL” / X
