'Price I'll pay': Novak Djokovic's bombshell vaccination confession
World No.1 Novak Djokovic has admitted he won't get vaccinated in order to play tennis after his first major interview since being deported from Australia.
Djokovic dominated headlines around the world when the unvaccinated star entered Australia ahead of the first grand slam of the year, only to be detained and the federal government revoke his visa.
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The Serbian lost his appeal and after nearly two weeks and was deported ahead of the Australian Open.
Since he deportation, it became apparent Djokovic will be severely hampered in the events he will be allowed to play for the remainder of the year if he continues to refuse the Covid-19 jab.
Djokovic's absence at the Australian Open was compounded after Rafa Nadal won the title and lifted him above the Serbian (20) in the men's all-time grand slam title race.
The world has been wondering whether Djokovic might change his mind in order to regain his foothold in tennis history for the claim to be statistically seen as the greatest of all time race.
But, in an exclusive interview with the BBC, Djokovic has admitted he won't sacrifice his right to get the jab in order to play tennis.
When asked whether he would be willing to forego both Roland Garros and Wimbledon to maintain his stance the World No.1 was steadfast.
"Yes, that is a price I am willing to pay," Djokovic said.
🚨BOMBSHELL INTERVIEW 🚨
Novak Djokovic :
1) Is willing to sacrifice the opportunity to statistically become the greatest of all time due to vaccine mandate
2) Is willing to skip Wimbledon & French Open
3) Attempts to distances himself from the anti-vax community pic.twitter.com/pp4UCvfibM— yampapi (@yampapii) February 15, 2022
Novak Djokovic says he isn't anti-vaccination
The World No.1 said he didn't feel like anyone had asked him about his thoughts on vaccinations throughout the Australian Open saga.
And the reason to decline the jab in the immediate future was because he wanted to be 'in tune' with his body.
"Because the principles of the decision making on my body are more important than any title, or anything else," he added.
Djokovic said he was keeping his 'mind open' about being vaccinated in the future and was not anti-vaccination.
"I was never against vaccination. I understand that globally, everyone is trying to put a big effort into handling this virus and seeing, hopefully, an end soon to this virus."
The 34-year-old is due to make his return at the Dubai Tennis Championships later this month, with unvaccinated players allowed entry into the event in the UAE.
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