Novak Djokovic's biographer Daniel Muksch has said that the world number tennis player could take his Covid-19 vaccination soon after missing out on the Australian Open.
Djokovic, who was tied on 20 Grand Slam titles with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, conceded the joint top spot to the Spaniard, who won the Australian Open to pull one clear.
"From what I have heard from those around him, I think he is getting vaccinated," Muksch told Heute. "Perhaps the Australian final has contributed [to that decision].”
“It may be that Nadal’s 21 Grand Slams is driving him to do so,” he said.
The 34-year-old Serbian has been holding out against vaccination, which resulted in a court battle on his arrival in Melbourne. He was eventually deported by immigration minister Alex Hawke, who cancelled the player's visa.
Djokovic is scheduled to play next at the Dubai Open that begins on February 21. Should he get vaccinated, he would also be eligible to play the first two Masters 1,000 tournaments of the year at Indian Wells and Miami.
Getting vaccinated could also ensure his participation at the French Open. As per recent rules announced by France, Djokovic would not be allowed to enter the country unvaccinated in May. All citizens and travellers to France are to be vaccinated.
Djokovic claims to have tested Covid-19 positive in mid-December. His recovery certificate will expire by the time the next Grand Slam tournament begins.
“This will apply to everyone who is a spectator or a professional sportsperson. And this until further notice. As far as Roland Garros is concerned, it’s in May. The situation may change between now and then and we hope it’ll be more favourable. So we’ll see but clearly there’s no exemption,” said the French sports ministry.
