Serum Institute of India (SII) CEO Adar Poonawalla, in a ‘message’ to Novak Djokovic, said on Thursday he hopes to see a change in the 20-time Grand Slam champion's views on Covid-19 vaccination.
“I respect your personal views on not getting vaccinated @DjokerNole and love watching you play, but I hope you change your mind. In the meantime, the rest of us now might stand a chance at a Grand Slam,” Poonawalla said on Twitter, sharing a clip in which he is seen playing tennis.
Poonawalla's post came after Djokovic, in a BBC interview, said though he is not against Covid-19 vaccination, he will skip tournaments if told to get jabbed.
{{/usCountry}}Poonawalla's post came after Djokovic, in a BBC interview, said though he is not against Covid-19 vaccination, he will skip tournaments if told to get jabbed.
{{/usCountry}}“That is the price I'm willing to pay. I understand the consequences of my decision. I understand that not being vaccinated today, you know, I am unable to travel to most of the tournaments at the moment. I believe in the freedom to choose what you put into your body. And, for me, that is essential,” the Serb said.
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In January, Djokovic was unable to defend his title at the annual Australian Open as he was deported from the country after a lengthy legal battle with the Australian government which refused him entry as he was unvaccinated against the viral illness.
Eventually, he was deported a day before the tournament was scheduled to commence and might miss French Open and Wimbledon due to vaccination rules.