“Unnecessary and Illogical Move”: Novak Djokovic on Tennis Tour’s Vaccine Protocols

The ATP has been relentlessly pushing players to get vaccinated against Covid-19 as and when it’s available in their respective locations. 

The organization recently updated its covid-19 protocols where the players getting vaccinated will be exempted from isolation upon arrival in any tournament. 

While these protocols are to accepted by the local authorities at each tournament, these relaxations given by the ATP might motivate players to get their vaccine shots when available. 

Novak Djokovic criticizes the ATP for its illogical move

However, a fraction of the players on the men’s tour isn’t forthcoming when it comes to vaccinations. The top-ranked men’s singles player Novak Djokovic has expressed his unwillingness several times to take a vaccine.

Djokovic commented that it was an illogical move by the ATP to give privileges to players who get their vaccines. 

“I heard that players who get vaccinated will get benefits and better accommodation conditions. This is an unnecessary and illogical move.”,  Novak responded.

Djokovic has always been at loggerheads with the ATP over the last couple of years as he started a player-only association along with the Canadian tennis player, Vasek Pospisil. 

With players appear divided between the ATP and the PTPA(association launched by Novak) and no support from either Nadal or Federer, the future of PTPA hangs in the balance.

Filip Krajinovic and Dusan Lajovic got their first vaccine doses

Coming back to covid-19 vaccinations, Novak Djokovic even said that the ATP must follow the rules set by local authorities at a tournament instead of their protocols. 

“The ATP should follow the rules set by the governments”, Djokovic concluded. Even though the anti-vaccine stance of Djokovic is debatable, the authorities that conduct a tournament might not accept the ATP’s updated protocols. On the other hand, Novak’s compatriots Filip Krajinovic and Dusan Lajovic have received their first vaccine doses.

Since each player arrives from a different geographical location, it won’t be fair to put a player in the bubble because his country hasn’t started mass vaccinations yet. Vaccine shortage might also be the reason for a certain player to not have his shot. 

So, how far these updated protocols by the ATP will be implemented on-tour remains to be seen. 

Read More:

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“He’s a Bit Exhausted”: Novak Djokovic Opens Up on Dominic Thiem’s Recent Struggle and Withdrawal From Serbia Open 2021

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