Martin Pakula denied blackmailing Novak Djokovic to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Djokovic is very unlikely to at the Australian Open due to him not being vaccinated. The Serb’s refusal to take the jab hasn’t affected him too much. Until now, that is.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner has defended his view of not getting vaccinated if forced. However, the rules for the tournament in Australia are very simple – you can play if you are vaccinated.
The ace’s father recently accused the Australian government of forcing his son to get the vaccine. In response, minister Pakula denied blackmailing Djokovic to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and said that it was entirely up to him to get it or not.
“If you’re a visiting international tennis player, or a visiting sportsman of any kind, it’s about your responsibility to the community that you are being welcomed into,” Pakula told Australian media, as quoted by Pundit Arena.
“And that’s why we are asking those international tennis stars to follow the same requirements as Victorians are.
“It’s not about blackmail, it’s about making sure the Victorian community is protected.
“I want to make it clear that I really hope that Novak Djokovic gets vaccinated and plays in the Australian Open. But if he chooses not to, that’s a matter for him.”
Tough call to make
Djokovic now finds himself having to choose between a tournament or his belief. If he decides to participate, he will walk into the tournament as the reigning champion.
He will arrive on the back of nine titles, and as the record Grand Slam holder alongside Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Were he to win the tournament, he will create history.
However, for that to happen, he must be able to participate in the tournament. It will require him putting aside his stubbornness and agreeing to take the vaccine.