‘I didn’t need it’ – Novak Djokovic reignites COVID-19 vaccine controversy with blunt admission

Novak Djokovic has reignited the COVID-19 vaccine debate after offering a blunt explanation for his decision not to get vaccinated, despite previously testing positive for the virus.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion refused to take the vaccine, a decision that led to his deportation from Australia in 2022 and the cancellation of his visa. At the time, Djokovic said he was not against vaccination but wanted to exercise his right to decide what he put into his body.

The decision resulted in him missing several high-profile tournaments, including the Australian Open and US Open in 2022, Indian Wells in 2022 and 2023, the Miami Open in 2022 and 2023, the Canadian Open in 2022 and the Cincinnati Masters in 2022.

Now, Djokovic has revisited the controversy in the Amazon Prime documentary Novak Djokovic: The Wolf in Winter, explaining why he decided against getting vaccinated despite having previously contracted COVID-19.

Djokovic breaks down the decision behind his COVID-19 vaccine refusal

The Serbian icon claimed he did not believe he posed a threat to others because he had developed immunity and maintained that he had the freedom to make the decision himself.

“Because I didn’t need it. Why should I get the vaccine? I’m healthy, I’m an athlete. I had corona. I had immunity. I wasn’t a threat to anyone. There was no reason for me to get vaccinated,” Djokovic said. “It’s my freedom to choose which is that fundamental right that you have as a human being on this planet — the freedom to choose — which was taken from a lot of people.”

Djokovic made the decision while he was at the height of his career, with the consequences affecting his participation in several major tournaments.

The 39 year old has since won more Grand Slam titles and currently holds 24 major championships. He is now chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.

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