Djokovic considers getting Covid-19 vaccine after watching Nadal's victory in Australia

Rafa Nadal's triumph at the Australia Open is starting to have effects on Novak Djokovic. The Serbian was unable to play at the tournament because he had not been vaccinated but he may now have changed his mind about getting the jab after watching how Nadal lifted the title and as a consequence, now holds the record for the most Grand Slam titles in history. Before the Australia Open, Djokovic, Nadal and Federer were all tied on 20 Grand Slams.

In declarations made to Austrian media outlet Heute, the tennis star's biographer Daniel Müksch claims that Djokovic's people have been discussing Nole getting the vaccine to avoid similar problems to what happened in Australia. "From what I have heard from his inner circle, I think Djokovic is being vaccinated. It's possible that the Australia Open final contributed to that - as well as Rafa Nadal reaching 21 Grand Slam titles - that too could have convinced him to take that step, without any doubt".

Related news

Djokovic is used to criticism

Müksch went on to add that Djokovic doesn't care about being the target of criticism for what happened in Australia. "The bad guy image is deeply ingrained in his personality. There is a phrase of his which says that not all champions were born in rich people's country clubs. He doesn't mention any names, but you can guess who he is referring to".

Müksch also revealed that while Djokovic still has a great respect for his father, he wasn't too pleased about how his reaction in Belgrade on hearing that his son was being detained in Australia. "Novak would never go against his father, he was educated that way. But he didn'y like what happened in Belgrade while he was being held in Melbourne".

Threat of missing Roland Garros, Miami and Indian Wells

Nadal's win wasn't the only reason why Djokovic is having second thoughts about getting vaccinated - if he remains unjabbed, he will find it harder to compete in other tournaments around the world unless he is fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

Among the tournaments which Djokovic could miss is Roland Garros. Just a few days ago the French government approved a digital vaccine pass which will be required for all those over the age of 16 to enter bars, restaurants and sports venues. However, they did backtrack and left the door open for the tennis ace to compete without being jabbed. Without being vaccinated, Djokovic would not be allowed to take part at the ATP Tour Masters 1000 at Indian Wells and Miami, as the United States will deny entry to anyone who has not received both shots of the vaccine.