By Shaun Murphy-
Novak Djokovic withdrawal from two prestigious tennis competitions in the US due to coronavirus rules prevent him from entering America, compromises standards in the competition.
The unvaccinated Serbian has pulled out of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and the Miami Open after the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) confirmed he needed to be jabbed to enter the country.
AD: Capeesh Restaurant
The exclusion of Djokavic from competitive tournaments reduces the standard of the competition since the Serb is one of the best players in the world. Yet, with the Serb refusing to be vaccinated, there is not much sympathy for him among his fellow tennis players or the American authorities. Vaccination remains a controversial issue across the world, a majority of world leaders have called for mass vaccination since the break out of the virus.
American’s large loss of life during the pandemic has led to stringent vaccination laws to protect the health of the population. However the wide circulation of competing information online has led to various views about vaccines, many of those choosing to refrain from vaccination pointing to the fact a number of people who have been vaccinated have fallen ill or died, and that many who have been double vaccinated and taken the booster have still caught the virus. The controversy surrounding the vaccine has split many societies, but a majority of those in countries in the world have now been fully vaccinated.
Part of the success of the vaccination programme in most parts of the world has been due to the pressure put on citizens to subscribe to the vaccine or face the consequences of declining the vaccine.
AD: Oysterian Sea Food Restaurant And Bar
America like France and Australia still have strong vaccination laws, and are not allowing foreign travellers into the country unless they are vaccinated. The UK has relaxed its own vaccination rules to both foreigners and domestic people. France has insisted on full vaccination for its citizens to attend restaurants and entertainment venues, and have made it abundantly clear that Djokavic will not be welcome to
The tennis ace winner has made no secret of his objection to being vaccinated, insisting that it is right to choose what goes into his body. Djokavic’s many critics have branded him a selfish and reckless individual who does not care about the safety of other people’s heath Djokavic was prevented from participating in the Australian open in January after he refused to be vaccinated, and admitted attending a journalistic meeting after testing positive for Covid-19.
Following the loss of a legal challenge against the Australian government, Djokavic is getting accustomed to being excluded from major tournaments due to his stance on vaccination.
After being told that his presence in Australia would influence anti vax sentiment, Djokovic played his first tournament of the year in Dubai a fortnight ago and was overtaken as world No.1 by Daniil Medvedev last week. This time, for the forthcoming tournaments, the tennis ace left it to the last minute before he withdrew.
Djoko on Instagram: “While I was automatically listed in the @bnpparibasopen and @miamiopen draw, I knew, given the entry requirements to the US, it would be unlikely I’d be able to travel there.
“But as international COVID regulations are always being amended, I wanted to wait and see if anything would change.
“I know my fans are looking forward to seeing me play again and I hope to be back playing for them on the tour soon. Good luck to everyone who is playing in the US in these great tournaments.”
Djokovic has been criticised by several of his fellow tennis players and commentators for his stance on vaccinations, but has refused to budge to public pressure and become vaccinated.
In January, the French parliament overwhelmingly approved a law requiring vaccination for anyone at restaurants, sports arenas and other venues. Previously unvaccinated persons were allowed to enter with a valid negative test. That incudes the French Open and the French Sports Ministry confirmed on Monday there would be no exemptions.
AD: Heritage And Restaurant Lounge Bar