Novak Djokovic breaks silence over Covid vaccine refusal - BBC News

Tennis star Novak Djokovic has said he would rather miss out on future trophies than be forced to get a Covid vaccine.

Speaking exclusively to the BBC, he said he should not be associated with the anti-vax movement, but supported an individual's right to choose.

The Serbian was asked if he would sacrifice taking part in competitions such as Wimbledon and the French Open over his stance on the vaccine.

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[tennistron]

Asked him if he was willing to potentially stump his career for his principles, came back in 2023 and won 3 out of 4 slams. What an athlete and what an ambassador..

[MsGumbiecat]

"The principle of decision making on my body are more important than any title." immortal words

[gabz--gb]

Still watching this interview after Novak has a record 23 slams. So satisfying that he stood by his values and principles, and STILL managed to break the Grand Slam record. Elite person and an Elite athlete.

[moto]

This guy is much more than a Tennis legend. He is a legend to the world for standing up for what’s right. God bless

[Ormy-]

This man is the voice of millions who have lost their jobs and careers, their ability to put food in the table, lost friends and family and still stand strong in the belief that their body is theirs and does not belong to the government.
❤🌍

[anthrax]

The man is a hero.
BBC will never understand what it means to be a hero.

[MilanZ]

This only happened last year, but feels like 10 years ago. Djokovic broke ALL of tennis records since then and managed to retain his dignity.

[soniasias]

This man is so brave to stand against all the pressure. His body, his choice. I look up to all the men and woman that said, no to the vaccine.

[Jason-xbqf]

I never even knew who Novak was, but now he is my hero. A man with a strong body and a strong mind, very rare these days.

[Olhamo]

He has now won Olympic gold. Just watched those last few minutes of his win, and the aftermath: his tears, his complete surrender to the journey, and his falling to his knees. And then, making his way to his family. It brought me to tears also, not only for his incredible win, and what he has been through - but for the weight of so many who have been through so much, these past four years. It's impossible not to feel that, by resonance. I respect so much him holding fast to his principles. It has been very much a solitary thing, albeit heavily pressured, and of course he never asked to be, nor was, any kind of figure of any movement. rather, he is an example of a sovereign man, a man devoted to his faith, who listens to his own guidance.

[truongsinh]

Who else here after Novak wins Oly Gold? GOAT NOVAX

[woutc]

I've always been a fan of Novak, but now he is officially a hero. My deepest respect for this man sticking to his principles. So did I

[staragape]

What profits a man to gain the world and lose his soul. Thank you for standing for what you believe in 🙏🏼

[abundant]

Such a strong man.
Such integrity.
Such fun.
So much strength.
So much love.
So much faith.
Love this man ❤

[chansabrina]

After the win in French Open 2023, he has won the most Grand Slams in the history of Men's tennis!

[nancyroberts]

A man of personal integrity, courage and principle. A beautiful thing. God Bless you Novak.

[mrdasilver]

If you choose to get vaccinated, I respect you. If you choose not to get vaccinated, I respect you. Your body, your decision. It's as simple as that.

[chansabrina]

And he just won the most Grand Slam in the history of Men’s tennis

[timdougall]

Good decision man, turns out he was right all along

[jamessgian]

Standing up to tyranny, lying scientists, drug company profiteers, political and media propaganda, and the brainwashed masses with truth and courage. That is all Djokovic has done. Greatest player ever and if this is reason his stats may not say so in the end, he’ll be all the more impressive for being a man of principle, reason, and a defender of freedom.