Novak Djokovic 'opposed to vaccination', admits that could stand in the way of his return to tennis

World No1 says he is against compulsory vaccination and will have to take a decision if that is the case in tennis

Novak Djokovic is against vaccination and says that could impede his return to tennis if it is made mandatory after the coronavirus crisis subsides. AP

Novak Djokovic said he will have to take a decision if vaccination is made mandatory in tennis, if and when it gets developed. Getty Images

World No.1 Novak Djokovic’s opposition to vaccines could stand in the way of his return to tennis once it resumes from the coronavirus pandemic. PA

Novak Djokovic had earlier revealed he has held discussions with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, left, regarding creating a relief fund for players lower down in the rankings. AFP

Roger Federer, left, and Novak Djokovic, right, along with Rafael Nadal and other senior players are being consulted about the plans for the rest of the tennis season. AFP

Novak Djokovic of Serbia during his final singles match against Rafael Nadal of Spain during day 10 of the ATP Cup in Sydney in January. Getty Images

Novak Djokovic after defeating Roger Federer at the 2019 Wimbledon Championships. EPA

Novak Djokovic during his semi-final against Roger Federer at the Australian Open in January. EPA

Novak Djokovic against Kevin Anderson of South Africa on day 2 of the ATP Cup in Australia in January. EPA

Novak Djokovic is hoping to create a contingency fund for lower-ranked tennis players hit hard by the pandemic and shutdown. EPA

World No1 Novak Djokovic revealed he is opposed to vaccination and that could stand in the way of his return to tennis once the coronavirus crisis subsides.

There is a growing call for all players to be vaccinated when tennis restarts, provided a vaccination is available by then.

Former world No1 Amelie Mauresmo last month said tennis should not resume unless players can be vaccinated, although the scientific community has repeatedly said that may be a year away, if a vaccine is developed at all.

"Personally I am opposed to vaccination and I wouldn't want to be forced by someone to take a vaccine in order to be able to travel," Djokovic said in a live Facebook chat with fellow Serbian athletes on Sunday.

"But if it becomes compulsory, what will happen? I will have to make a decision.

"I have my own thoughts about the matter and whether those thoughts will change at some point, I don't know.

"Hypothetically, if the season was to resume in July, August or September, though unlikely, I understand that a vaccine will become a requirement straight after we are out of strict quarantine and there is no vaccine yet."

Dual grand slam winner Mauresmo last month tweeted: "International circuit = players of all nationalities plus management, spectators and people from the four corners of the world who bring these events to life. No vaccine = no tennis."

The tennis world has been thrown into disarray due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Governing bodies have suspended all tournaments until July 13, so far. Wimbledon has been cancelled for the first time since World War II, and the French Open has been pushed back four months until late September.