Novak Djokovic says he will not reveal his vaccination status as he trusts neither the media nor society to judge it reasonably.
Vaccination status has become a hot topic in tennis the government in Victoria suggesting unvaccinated players will not be allowed to play at the Australian Open in January.
Around 35% of players on the ATP Tour and 40% on the WTA are believed to be unvaccinated, meaning there could be a considerable number of absentees in Melbourne.
Djokovic, though, says he will not be answering questions on whether or not he is, or plans to be, vaccinated, and has asked people to respect his right to privacy on the matter.
“I will not reveal my status whether I have been vaccinated or not,” Novak Djokovic said.
“It is a private matter and according to our law, whoever asks you, you can in some way charge him for asking you.
“That is an immoderate question. Too many people today allow themselves such freedom to ask things and condemn a person. Whatever you answer: “Yes, I didn’t, maybe, I don’t know, I’m thinking!” they will abuse it.
“The media has become…I have no word how to describe it. It spreads fear and panic among people and I don’t want to participate in that rift. I feel that everyone is hostile. I don’t want to give them a reason to write some things about me.
“Now what I told you, one of your editors can take and make a scandal out of it. I don’t want to take part in any storm that is happening right now.
“There is a lot of division in the society, not only in sports, but in the whole society, between those who have not been vaccinated and have been vaccinated. And that’s really scary.
“That we fell for discriminating against someone if he wants to decide for himself one way or another, whether he wants to be vaccinated or not.
“It’s really…I am very disappointed with the world society at this moment and the way in which the media transmit and put pressure on all people.
“There is too much ambiguity, too much information that is not valid, so it turns out that it is, so it is not, everything changes a lot.”
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