Novak to get the jab ahead of public address
After his recent deportation from Australian shores over his vaccination status, reports have emerged that the Serbian tennis champ is going to get the jab after all.
Novak Djokovic's biograper Daniel Muksch, who has written a book chronicling the life and career of the 20-time grand slam champion, suggested that seeing Rafael Nadal win a historic 21st major may have convinced Novak to change his tune on the Covid vaccine.
“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. Rafael Nadal’s 21 is driving him, no question.”
After Nadal's triumph in the Australian Open, Djokovic sent him a message of congratulations, and also congratulated Ash Barty on her win in the women's singles.
“There has been some outstanding tennis played at this year’s #AusOpen and the finals were exceptional. Congratulations to @ashbarty for an amazing performance in front of her home crowd and to Danielle Collins for an incredible tournament,” Djokovic tweeted on Monday morning.
“Congratulations to @RafaelNadal for 21st GS. Amazing achievement. Always impressive fighting spirit that prevailed another time.”
Djokovic's deportation meant he was unable to compete for a 10th Australian Open victory and push ahead of Nadal and Roger Federer on the list of all-time men's major winners.
If Novak chooses to get vaccinated ahead of ther French Open, he could be in with a chance to return to the court to defend his title.
Djokovic is due to meet with populist Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade on Friday, at which point he is expected to deliver a public address.
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