LettersNovak Djokovic’s legacy could be tainted by association with anti-vax movement

Readers discuss the implications of the Serbian tennis star’s refusal to get vaccinated against Covid-19, and the tendency to blame Chinese lending for countries’ economic woes

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Novak Djokovic celebrates with the Wimbledon trophy after defeating Australia’s Nick Kyrgios in their men’s singles final match at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London on July 10. Photo: PA Wire/dpa

Published: 11:30am, 5 Aug 2022

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Novak Djokovic has become the poster boy of the anti-vax movement whether he intended to or not. However, neither Djokovic nor his entourage understand this, and this wilful ignorance will hurt his image and affect his legacy.

Most people, including those who are tennis fans, are familiar with Djokovic’s vaccine fiasco in Australia. Having refused to get vaccinated against Covid-19, he was denied entry and, when a judge restored his visa, then immigration minister Alex Hawke used his discretionary powers to cancel the visa on the basis that allowing him to stay in Australia would excite “anti-vax sentiment” in the community. He was subsequently deported from the country.

The actions of Djokovic and his entourage have since vindicated Hawke’s claims and may prompt the American and Canadian authorities to do the same as their Australian counterparts (“Unvaccinated Novak Djokovic still hopes to play at US Open”, July 31).

Djokovic has received the support of many controversial figures due to his stance on vaccination. Far-right British politician Nigel Farage visited Belgrade and Djokovic’s family during the height of his ordeal in Australia.

Robert F. Kennedy Jnr, who has consistently promoted anti-vaccine conspiracy theories about vaccines causing with autism, supported Djokovic and urged the US to let him in.

Paul Joseph Watson, a close associate of far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, chimed in during Djokovic’s stay in Australia, claiming he is a political prisoner.

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;} Readers discuss the implications of the Serbian tennis star’s refusal to get vaccinated against Covid-19, and the tendency to blame Chinese lending for countries’ economic woes

Readers discuss the implications of the Serbian tennis star’s refusal to get vaccinated against Covid-19, and the tendency to blame Chinese lending for countries’ economic woes