By Charlie Carmichael-
Andy Murray has admitted that Novak Djokovic’s absence from major events is bad for tennis, adding that he does not agree with his decision.
Murray and Djokovic are both currently competing in Dubai, and said he believes Djokovic should get the vaccine but told reporters at the ATP 500 event in Dubai that he is competing in this week that the Serb’s absence from major events is damaging to the sport.
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“I’ve not seen him here (in Dubai),” Murray said. “We exchanged a few messages while he was in Australia. I don’t agree with his decision. It would be a lot easier for him if he were to get vaccinated.
“But I also didn’t like seeing him in the situation that he was in Australia as someone that I respect, have known since I was a child.
“There are consequences to the decisions he’s made just now. He obviously has to accept that. But I don’t think it’s great for tennis if our best player is not competing in the major events.
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“It would be better for tennis if he were playing all of the major events.”
Djokovic made a winning return to the court, beating Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets in his first competitive appearance in three months, but there remains a cloud over his participation in a number of large events that are to come this year.
Djokovic’s name is on the entry list for Indian Wells in March, but confirmed he would not be able to travel to America to compete either there, or in Miami later in the month, if vaccination regulations in the States remain as they currently are.
“As of today, (no). I can’t go – can’t enter United States,” Djokovic said. “As of today I’m not able to play. But let’s see what happens. I mean, maybe things change in the next few weeks.”
The tennis ace told the BBC that the choice of what goes into his body will always be one he holds above any titles he could ever win. Djokavic has faced plenty of criticism over his decision not to be vaccinated from colleagues and members of the media, but continues to maintain his position.
The events in Indian Wells and Miami are among the biggest on the ATP Tour, and Djokovic also recently confirmed he is willing to miss further Grand Slams, so strong is belief in the right to free will.
Djokavic’s absence from major tennis competitions will see the eventual winner move closer to breaking records, but without the satisfaction of beating Djokavic, widely regarded as the world’s best player.
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