Djokovic Says He’s Not Anti-Vaccine, But ‘Pro-Freedom to Choose’

Mr. Djokovic faced negative press after he refused to be vaccinated to play in the Australian Open.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits a forehand against Daniil Medvedev of Russia (not pictured) in the men's singles final on day fourteen of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York, on Sept. 12, 2021. Danielle Parhizkaran/USA TODAY Sports via Reuters

World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic has said that he is not against vaccination but only wants the right to opt out.

In early 2022, Mr. Djokovic became embroiled in controversy over the COVID-19 vaccine. At the time, he had received a vaccine exemption to play in the Australian Open. However, following a public outcry, the tennis player was deported and couldn’t take part in the competition.