International: Djokovic’s shock Covid backflip set to ‘upset a lot of people’
It was the Aussie sports story that made headlines the world over; Novak Djokovic was deported from the country and not allowed to play in the Australian Open because he refused the mandatory COVID vaccinations.
After missing out on the Australian Open due to not getting the jab, Novak Djokovic is reportedly set to complete a stunning backflip by getting a Covid vaccination.
Now, according to reports, he's done a total backflip. The Serbian star arrived with a medical exemption on the basis he had been infected with Covid in December, but he was eventually deported from the country and subsequently missed out on the chance to win what would have been a record 21st grand slam title.
As Djokovic was forced to watch his rival lift the trophy, it appears it lit a fire in his belly to get the jab so he can contend in future grand slams.
“From what I have heard from those around him, I think he is getting vaccinated,” Muksch reportedly said on Austrian TV station Servus TV.
“Maybe the final in Melbourne also contributed to that.
After being informed of Djokovic’s reported decision, Mr Hunt said that he was “delighted” at the 34-year-old getting the jab and hoped it might change the mindset of others who are hesitant.
Muksch’s revelation comes after Serbian health officials confirmed early on Thursday (AEDT) his controversial Covid test results proving he had the virus were legitimate, after a string of media reports questioned the authenticity of the documents.
Serbian officials have not responded directly to the allegations levied by the BBC and other news outlets who have raised similar questions.
Djokovic was unable to challenge for a 21st Grand Slam singles title, which was won over the weekend by his rival Rafael Nadal, who is now the most decorated player in tennis history.
President Aleksandar Vucic, a populist who is bidding for re-election in April, said he spoke with Djokovic as soon as he heard about the problems in Australia and told him to come home.
"And then I saw how ... he was ready to fight not only for himself, but for his country," Vucic said.
"You have stood behind me and placed yourself in a compromised political position in international relations, and I am ... extremely grateful. I will remember that," Djokovic said.
Djokovic's treatment has been described as "scandalous" by the government in Belgrade and has soured relations between Serbia and Australia.
Djokovic meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade where he is expected to make a brief public address.
Speaking to the New York Times later in 2020, Djokovic said: “My issue here with vaccines is if someone is forcing me to put something in my body. That I don’t want. For me that’s unacceptable.
“I am not against vaccination of any kind, because who am I to speak about vaccines when there are people that have been in the field of medicine and saving lives around the world?
“I’m sure that there are vaccines that have little side effects that have helped people and helped stop the spread of some infections around the world.
Other countries have also have said No Vaccinated no entry without any exceptions. ‘We are happy to have him play but for the safety of others all players must be Vaccinated.
