After missing out on the Australian Open due to not getting the jab, Novak Djokovic is reportedly set to complete a stunning backflip by getting a Covid vaccination.
Djokovic sent shockwaves through the nation when he revealed he was coming to Melbourne to play in the first slam of the year despite being not vaccinated against Covid.
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The Serbian star arrived with a medical exemption on the basis he had been infected with Covid in December, but he was eventually deported from the country and subsequently missed out on the chance to win what would have been a record 21st grand slam title.
Instead, Rafael Nadal broke the record via an enthralling five-set victory in the final over Daniil Medvedev.
As Djokovic was forced to watch his rival lift the trophy, it appears it lit a fire in his belly to get the jab so he can contend in future grand slams.
According to author Daniel Muksch, who wrote A Lifetime At War — a book detailing Djokovic’s tennis journey — seeing Nadal win his 21st slam was the trigger for his surprise move.
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“From what I have heard from those around him, I think he is getting vaccinated,” Muksch reportedly said on Austrian TV station Servus TV.
“Maybe the final in Melbourne also contributed to that.
“Rafael Nadal’s 21 is driving him, no question.”
One prominent figure who expressed his happiness in seeing Djokovic potentially changing his vaccination stance is Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt.
Mr Hunt was the man who sent letters to Tennis Australia in November informing them that recently contracting Covid wasn’t a legitimate reason to gain a vaccination exemption.
After being informed of Djokovic’s reported decision, Mr Hunt said that he was “delighted” at the 34-year-old getting the jab and hoped it might change the mindset of others who are hesitant.
“Look, I’m happy for anybody anywhere to be vaccinated and if in some small way as a country we have encouraged Novak or any other individual to do that then that’s great,” Mr Hunt told Sunrise.
“But you know what’s much more important?
“I think that will encourage more people who have been hesitant to be vaccinated and that would be the real win out of this.
“I hadn’t heard that. I’m delighted if that is the case.
“But to everybody, doesn’t matter where you are, whether you are overseas or in Australia, first dose, second dose, booster, everything you are eligible for, it will help protect you.
“Please come forward.”
Muksch’s revelation comes after Serbian health officials confirmed early on Thursday (AEDT) his controversial Covid test results proving he had the virus were legitimate, after a string of media reports questioned the authenticity of the documents.
The 34-year-old world number one was unable to play in the Australian Open after being deported over Covid-19 vaccination issues, despite initially receiving an exemption from officials based on an positive PCR test weeks ahead of the tournament.
Serbia’s prosecutor’s office said there was no evidence suggesting the tests had been manipulated, according to an inquiry by the country’s health ministry.
“It was established that Novak Djokovic was tested multiple times and the … test results from December 16 and December 22 were valid,” read the statement from the office.
The statement came just days after the BBC published a report casting “doubt” over the tests, suggesting the serial number on the documents were out of sequence with others from roughly the same period.
Serbian officials have not responded directly to the allegations levied by the BBC and other news outlets who have raised similar questions.
Djokovic was unable to challenge for a 21st Grand Slam singles title, which was won over the weekend by his rival Rafael Nadal, who is now the most decorated player in tennis history.
The Serb, however, remained world number one in the rankings released earlier this week and extended his record-breaking run in the top spot to 358 weeks.
Since returning from Australia last month, Djokovic has kept a relatively low profile, making just a handful of public appearances.
On Thursday, Djokovic is scheduled to meet Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade where he is expected to make a brief public address.
This news is republished from another source. You can check the original article here