(CNN) — In an on-camera interview with the BBC, men’s tennis world No. 1 Novak Djokovic said he is willing not to play the French Open or Wimbledon due to his stance on the covid-19 vaccine.
Before the Australian Open, Djokovic was tied with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer for 20 Grand Slam singles titles. With Djokovic absent after having to leave Australia before the tournament, Nadal went on to win the tournament, and already has 21 major singles titles, the most ever in men’s tennis.
Djokovic told the BBC, which called the interview with the 34-year-old Serb an exclusive, that he has not been vaccinated against covid-19.
“I was never against vaccination,” Djokovic told the BBC. “I understand that globally everyone is trying to put a lot of effort into managing this virus and hopefully seeing an end to this virus soon.”
Djokovic said in the BBC interview that he understands the consequences of his decision not to get vaccinated, explaining that: “I understand that not being vaccinated today, I am unable to travel to most tournaments at the moment.”
“And that’s a price you’re willing to pay?” asked BBC media editor Amol Rajan.
“That’s the price I’m willing to pay,” Djokovic replied.
Rajan then asked Djokovic: “Ultimately, are you prepared to give up the opportunity to be the best player to ever pick up a racket, statistically, because of your strong stance on the vaccine?”
“Yes,” Djokovic said. “I am”.
When asked why, Djokovic replied: “Because the principles of making decisions about my body are more important than any title or anything else. I’m trying to be in tune with my body as much as possible.”
CNN has reached out to the organizers of the French Open and Wimbledon for comment.
