By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Novak Djokovic's decision to remain unvaccinated is "terrible for tennis", Pam Shriver says.
Hall of Famer Shriver told the BBC while it's good to hear Djokovic's reasoning behind his stance, ultimately the world No. 1's decision is bad for the sport because he may inspire others to distrust Coronavirus vaccines.
More: Djokovic to Remain Unvaccinated
“Will he really truly have an open mind to have a vaccine at a later date?” Shriver asked in a BBC interview. “I hope that the right trusted person, who is an expert in science and medicine, probably would have to be a Serbian, can sit him down and show him, and walk him through all of the steps that make the science and the medicine trustworthy and safe to put in his body.”
“Because it’s terrible for tennis, not good for him – and, really, he does lead. The fact that he doesn’t trust it, it does lead a lot of people, in his own country and throughout the world.”
In a wide-ranging interview with BBC, 20-time champion Djokovic said he feels so strongly on the issue he is willing to continue to miss Grand Slams in support of his stance.
It's a position that could make the 34-year-old Serbian's chase of rival Rafa Nadal's record of 21 Grand Slam championships even tougher.
“Yes, that is the price that I’m willing to pay,” Djokovic told BBC. “I understand the consequences of my decision, and one of the consequences of my decision was not going to Australia – I was prepared not to, and I understand that not being vaccinated today, I’m unable to travel to most of the tournaments at the moment – that’s the price that I’m going to have to pay.”
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