(CNN)In an on-camera interview with the BBC, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic said he was ready to forego playing the French Open or Wimbledon because of his vaccination stance.
Djokovic was embroiled in controversy earlier this year after attempting to enter Australia without a valid vaccination exemption.
Before the first Grand Slam of the tennis season, Djokovic tied with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer with 20 Grand Slam singles titles. With Djokovic absent, Nadal won the Australian Open and gave him 21 major singles titles – the most of all time in men’s tennis.
Djokovic told the BBC, which described the interview as exclusive to the 34-year-old Serb, that he had not received a vaccination against Covid-19.
“I was never against vaccinations,” Djokovic told the BBC. “I understand that everyone worldwide is trying to make great efforts to deal with this virus and hopefully put 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: “I understand that if I’m not vaccinated today I won’t be able to travel to most tournaments at the moment.”
“And that’s a price you’re willing to pay?” BBC media editor Amol Rajan asked Djokovic.
“That’s the price I’m willing to pay,” Djokovic replied.
Rajan then asked Djokovic: “Ultimately, are you willing to give up the chance to be the greatest player to ever statistically pick up a racquet because that shot is so important to you?”
“Yes,” said Djokovic. “I do.”
When asked why, Djokovic replied: “Because the principles of decision-making are more important in my body than any title or anything else. I try to be in tune with my body as much as possible.”
CNN has reached out to tournament organizers for the French Open and Wimbledon for comment.
Australian Open Saga
Djokovic landed in Melbourne on January 5, only to be temporarily detained with his visa canceled for not having a valid Therapeutic Use Vaccine for All Arrivals vaccinations.
Djokovic’s team argued the 34-year-old tennis star felt he could enter the country because he had been granted a TUE by tournament organizers on the grounds that he was recovering from infection with Covid-19 have natural immunity. 19 in December.
Under Australian law, medical exemptions are only granted to people who can show they have experienced anaphylaxis following a previous dose or component of a vaccine, or who are significantly immunocompromised. Djovokic didn’t fit into either category.
The following week, a judge overturned the government’s decision to cancel his visa and ordered his release, allowing Djokovic to resume training for the Australian Open.
In another twist, just days before the start of the tournament, Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke decided to cancel Djokovic’s visa again and the player was jailed again.
Hawke argued that Djokovic posed a risk to public health and order and could encourage anti-vaccination protests, which could aid the spread of Covid-19.
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During the two-week period that all of this unfolded, Djokovic’s supporters and critics alike took to the streets of Melbourne – some protesting that his release mocks the sacrifices Australians have made to contain Covid, others arguing he has a right to compete.
Djokovic’s legal challenge failed the second time, with three federal court judges unanimously dismissing his request, saying Hawke’s argument was not irrational. Djokovic left the country shortly after.
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