London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025

Novak Djokovic is urged by the UK health secretary to reflect on his Covid jab refusal

Novak Djokovic is urged by the UK health secretary to reflect on his Covid jab refusal

Novak Djokovic should "reflect on his decision" not to get a Covid jab, the Health Secretary Sajid Javid has said.

The men's world number one told the BBC he was prepared to miss top tournaments to defend his freedom of choice.

Mr Javid said the only reason Djokovic was able to return to playing tennis "and earn millions again" was because of the success of the vaccine rollout.

The French Tennis Federation said it was "too early" to say if Djokovic could compete in May's French Open.

"We will take a decision, based on the health situation, as soon as possible," a spokesperson said.

Novak Djokovic: The Amol Rajan Interview

Speaking exclusively to the BBC, Djokovic said missing major competitions, such as the French Open, was "the price that I'm willing to pay" for the "freedom to choose what you put in your body".

The 20-time Grand Slam winner was deported from Australia last month after the government cancelled his visa in a row over his vaccine status.

Responding to Djokovic's interview, Mr Javid said the reason sports such as tennis had reopened to millions of spectators around the world was because of the success of vaccination programmes.

He said: "It's interesting to note that Mr Djokovic thinks it's OK for sport spectators, all his fans, to take the vaccine that allows him to get back to play the sport in front of them and earn millions again, it's OK for him to have them take the vaccine, but the vaccine is not OK for him.

"I think he should reflect on his decision."

Former British number one Tim Henman, who is on the committee of the All England Club, which organises Wimbledon, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme he thought it was unlikely Djokovic would be stopped from playing there as the tournament was planning to follow government guidance.

But he said by taking himself out of the chance to compete in some Grand Slams Djokovic was "certainly jeopardising his chances of being the greatest male player of all time".

Henman added: "I think that speaks volumes to his courage, conviction and belief that this is what is best for him."

Five-time Wimbledon women's doubles champion Pam Shriver said she hoped the "right trusted person" could sit down with Djokovic and "walk him through all of the steps that make the science and the medicine trustworthy".

She said him not getting the vaccine was "terrible for tennis" and said he was seen as a leader by many people both in his home country of Serbia and throughout the world.


Watch: Novak Djokovic gave an exclusive interview to the BBC's Amol Rajan

Watch Novak Djokovic describe how his time in detention in Australia left him feeling "powerless"


Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Poland Implements Border Checks Amid Growing Migration Tensions
Political Dispute Escalates Between Trump and Musk
Emirates Airline Expands Market Share with New $20 Million Campaign
Amazon Reaches Milestone with Deployment of One Millionth Robot
US Senate Votes to Remove AI Regulation Moratorium from Domestic Policy Bill
Yulia Putintseva Calls for Spectator Ejection at Wimbledon Over Safety Concerns
Jury Deliberations in Diddy Trial Yield Partial Verdict in Serious Criminal Charges
House Oversight Committee Subpoenas Former Jill Biden Aide Amid Investigation into Alleged Concealment of President Biden's Cognitive Health
King Charles Plans Significant Role for Prince Harry in Coronation
Two Chinese Nationals Arrested for Espionage Activities Against U.S. Navy
Amazon Reaches Major Automation Milestone with Over One Million Robots
Extreme Heat Wave Sweeps Across Europe, Hitting Record Temperatures
Meta Announces Formation of Ambitious AI Unit, Meta Superintelligence Labs
Robots Compete in Football Tournament in China Amid Injuries
Trump Administration Considers Withdrawal of Funding for Hospitals Providing Gender Treatment to Minors
Texas Enacts Law Allowing Gold and Silver Transactions
China Unveils Miniature Insect-Like Surveillance Drone
OpenAI Secures Multimillion-Dollar AI Contracts with Pentagon, India, and Grab
Marc Marquez Claims Victory at Dutch Grand Prix Amidst Family Misfortune
Germany Votes to Suspend Family Reunification for Asylum Seekers
Elon Musk Critiques Senate Budget Proposal Over Job Losses and Strategic Risks
Los Angeles Riots ended with Federal Investigations into Funding
Budapest Pride Parade Draws 200,000 Participants Amid Government Ban
Southern Europe Experiences Extreme Heat
Xiaomi's YU7 SUV Launch Garners Record Pre-Orders Amid Market Challenges
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's Lavish Wedding in Venice
Russia Launches Largest Air Assault on Ukraine Since Invasion
Education Secretary Announces Overhaul of Complaints System Amid Rising Parental Grievances
Massive Anti-Government Protests Erupt in Belgrade
Trump Ends Trade Talks with Canada Over Digital Services Tax
UK Government Softens Welfare Reform Plans Amid Labour Party Rebellion
Labour Faces Rebellion Over Disability Benefit Reforms Ahead of Key Vote
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Host Lavish Wedding in Venice Amid Protests
Trump Asserts Readiness for Further Strikes on Iran Amid Nuclear Tensions
North Korea to Open New Beach Resort to Boost Tourism Economy
UK Labour Party Faces Internal Tensions Over Welfare Reforms
Andrew Cuomo Hints at Potential November Comeback Amid Democratic Primary Results
Curtis Sliwa Champions His Vision for New York City Amid Rising Crime Concerns
Federal Reserve Proposes Changes to Capital Rule Affecting Major Banks
EU TO HUNGARY: LET THEM PRIDE OR PREP FOR SHADE. ORBÁN TO EU: STAY IN YOUR LANE AND FIX YOUR OWN MESS.
Trump Escalates Criticism of Media Over Iran Strike Coverage
Trump Announces Upcoming US-Iran Meeting Amid Controversial Airstrikes
Trump Moves to Reshape Middle East Following Israel-Iran Conflict
Big Four Accounting Firms Fined in Exam Cheating Scandal
NATO Members Agree to 5% Defense Spending Target by 2035
Australia's Star Casino Secures $195 Million Rescue Package Amid Challenges
UK to Enhance Nuclear Capabilities with Acquisition of F-35A Fighter Jets
Russian Shadow Payments via Cryptocurrency Reach $9 Billion
Explosions Rock Doha as Iranian Missiles Target Qatar
“You Have 12 Hours to Flee”: Israeli Threat Campaign Targets Surviving Iranian Officials
×