Novak Djokovic Claims He Never Opposed Vaccination

Despite being turned away from multiple major tournaments over his refusal to get the COVID vaccine, Novak Djokovic insists he is not against vaccination.

The tennis superstar, who recently won his 24th major championship at the U.S. Open, explained his perspective on the COVID vaccine in a recent interview for Omaha Productions’ “McEnroe’s Places,” with tennis legend John McEnroe.

Djokovic shared with McEnroe that his issue with the COVID vaccine was not necessarily about its effectiveness. Instead, he perceived it as being mandatory rather than a personal choice.

“I was never anti-vax,” Djokovic clarified. “I have always believed in the freedom to choose. We often take that for granted, but for many people, it wasn’t a real choice.”

Djokovic revealed to McEnroe that during the peak of vaccine mandates and vaccine passports, he felt like a “villain of the world.”

“All I wanted was to compete and play tennis, because that’s what I do best,” he said.

Although Djokovic remains unvaccinated against COVID, he has put the issue behind him and has been performing exceptionally well in 2023. With the easing of vaccine mandates, he has reclaimed his position as the world’s top-ranked men’s tennis player.

In a surprising turn of events, former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, who are strong advocates for COVID vaccines, attending the US Open and cheering for Djokovic courtside.