Novak Djokovic news: ‘It would be devastating for sport in general if Serbian is not able to play’

It would be “the best thing for all of us” if Novak Djokovic is allowed to play as many tournaments as he can, according to Eurosport pundit Alex Corretja.
There are major doubts over the Serbian’s participation in several events after he confirmed that he remains unvaccinated against Covid-19 and will not get the jab “because the principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else”.
He admitted that missing Wimbledon and the French Open was a “price that I’m willing to pay”, but he is likely to feature at the All England Club after Tim Henman revealed that they will follow government regulations.
Novak Djokovic news: World No 1 says reaction and ‘looks’ from fellow tennis players ‘really hurt me a lot’
However, the world No 1’s participation at the French Open as well as tournaments on American soil – including the US Open – is also under a cloud as travellers to the United States need to be vaccinated.
Former world No 2 Corretja, though, is adamant that while Djokovic should adhere to the rules of every country, it would be bad for “sport in general” if he doesn’t play regularly.
“It will be shocking if he’s not going to be able to play in the next two years because of not getting the vaccination,” he told Eurosport.
“That would be devastation for our sport, and therefore sport in general.
“I hope he’s going to be able to play as many tournaments as he can. And definitely he knows that he will need to respect the rules of every country. I know he knows that and he is willing to pay that price.
“If he says ‘I’m not vaccinated, can I play?’ and they say yes, he will go. And if they say ‘you need to get vaccinated’, he will stay at home.
“I think it’d be better if he can play as many tournaments as he can. This will be nicer and we will have the number one in the world playing the tournaments, which I think is the best thing for all of us.”
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Aryna Sabalenka eyes Iga Swiatek’s No 1 spot – Why Sabalenka could usurp the Pole in the coming months
Aryna Sabalenka’s world No 1 goal could seen be within touching distance.
-
ATP Tour
What Novak Djokovic needs to do to be top seed at French Open
Novak Djokovic has a big chance to be back at No 1 in time for the French Open.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon reach verdict on Russian players with announcement imminent
The decision on whether Russian and Belarusian players can compete at Wimbledon this summer has been made.
-
Tennis News
Tennis legend predicts how many Grand Slams Novak Djokovic will win
Novak Djokovic is “going to be winning majors as long as he’s healthy”.
-
WTA Tour
Aryna Sabalenka, WTA and Steve Simon slammed as tension in tennis continues to escalate
All is not well in women’s tennis.
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz off the mark in Miami as Jimmy Connors explains why he is head and shoulders above his peers
Carlos Alcaraz up and running in Miami as Jimmy Connors waxes lyrical about Spaniard.
-
WTA Tour
WTA accused of ignoring request for meeting with Ukrainian players – ‘Just silence’
Ukrainian players want to meet with the WTA board.
-
Tennis News
Frances Tiafoe calls on rigid tennis to get with the times in order ‘to bring younger fans to the game’
Do you think tennis fans should be able to come and go and speak during matches?