Novak Djokovic will be getting the Coronavirus vaccination—and Rafael Nadal's run to a men's record 21st Grand Slam crown is the primary reason the Serbian will take the jab.
Novak Djokovic's biographer, Daniel Mücksch believes the 34-year-old Serbian will get vaccinated so he can resume competing on the pro circuit and chase down his rival's record.
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"What you hear from his environment, I believe that he can be vaccinated," Mücksch told ServusTV in comments published by Blick. “Perhaps the final in Melbourne also contributed to that. Rafael Nadal's 21 is what drives him, no question about it."
The German biographer said Djokovic, who was initially granted a medical exemption to play the Australian Open before his visa was cancelled twice and he was ultimately deported the day before the AO began, isn't interested in damage control or a public relations campaign to sharpen his image. Mücksch believes Djokovic's main motivation is to return to competition, extend his reign as world No. 1 and win Grand Slam titles.
“This outsider role is very much anchored in his character," the biographer said. "There's a lovely quote of his that says not all champions are made in the country clubs of the rich."
The Djokovic biography titled "A Life Long in War" is scheduled for publication in March.
Djokovic's father, Srdjan, generated international headlines for his comments before and during his son's detention in Australia, including his suggestions Novak has been sent by God to uplift the Serbian people.
Mücksch says while Novak Djokovic didn't approve of his father's controversial comments and father and son are not as close as they once were, he would not refute his father publicly.
“Djokovic would never publicly oppose his father," Mücksch said. "That's how he was raised.
"On the other hand, he certainly doesn't condone what happened in Belgrade during the crazy days of Melbourne. The relationship between the two isn't that close anymore."
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