Rafael Nadal insists ‘Novak Djokovic will have to be vaccinated’ if the Tour makes it compulsory

ATP Tour
Rafael Nadal press conference

Rafael Nadal insists all players, including Novak Djokovic, will need to take a coronavirus vaccine should one become available and be made compulsory by the sport’s governing bodies.

Tennis is currently on an enforced break due to the Covid-19 pandemic and many believe the sport is unlikely to resume before next year with some even suggesting it will only restart once a vaccination is ready.

However, world No 1 Djokovic admitted in April that he would be opposed to taking a compulsory coronavirus vaccine as he “wouldn’t want to be forced by someone to take a vaccine in order to be able to travel”.

He later issued a statement saying “I am keeping an open mind, and I’ll continue to research on this topic because it is important and it will affect all of us.”

Full Novak Djokovic statement as he explains anti-Covid-19 vaccination stance

In an interview with La Voz de Galicia, Nadal was asked if he would be in favour of making it compulsory to get vaccinated, he replied: “I am a nobody and no one can demand anything from you.

“Everyone is free to do what they like, but if you belong to the Tour, one has to comply to the rules of that governing body. If the Tour makes it compulsory to be vaccinated to be able to travel, it is to protect everyone.

“Djokovic will have to be vaccinated if he wants to continue playing at the highest level.

“Everyone, me too. Everyone will have to comply. If the ATP or the ITF force us to use a vaccine to play tennis, then we will have to get it.

“Just as we have restrictions on not taking too many medications for obvious doping control issues. It is a matter of following the rules.”

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coronavirus Novak Djokovic Rafael Nadal

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