Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic told the BBC in an interview published Tuesday that he would rather miss major tournaments than get jabbed with the COVID-19 vaccine.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
However, the top-ranked player in the world clarified that he is not a part of the anti-vaccination movement, but that he is against mandates — stressing the importance of an individual's right to choose.
"I was never against vaccination, but I've always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body," Djokovic said.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner, age 34, was denied a chance to clinch his 21st major title at the Australian Open last month when he was kicked out of the country after the government canceled his visa in a dispute over his vaccine status.
Instead, rival Rafael Nadal of Spain won the tournament to claim his 21st Grand Slam title, overtaking Djokovic and Swiss Roger Federer.
