Novak Djokovic has opened up about being deported from Australia, saying he would rather forgo future trophies than be forced to get vaccinated.
In an interview with BBC News, the world No. 1 tennis pro insisted he did not want to be associated with the anti-vax movement - but made it clear that he had no intention of getting jabbed against the coronavirus.
When asked if he would sacrifice participating in Grand Slams due to his stance on vaccination, the star answered: "Yes, that is the price that I'm willing to pay."
Djokovic's refusal to get vaccinated against Covid-19 has already cost him dearly. Earlier this year, the 34-year-old became embroiled in a visa row with the Australian government due to his hazy vaccine status and insufficient medical exemption.
The dispute culminated in the Serbian athlete being deported from the country by immigration minister Alex Hawke just hours before the Australian Open - in which he was set to defend his title as champion - commenced.
With Djokovic out of the picture, the way was paved for rival player Rafael Nadal to win the tournament, and break the Grand Slam win tie between himself, the Serbian star, and Roger Federer. Nadal now holds the top spot with 21 victories, leaving Djokovic and Federer in the dust with 20 each.
Now, Djokovic has told BBC News that he is willing to let the chance of being the statistically greatest male tennis player slip even further away.
"I was never against vaccination, but I've always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body," he said. "The principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else. I'm trying to be in tune with my body as much as I possibly can."
Djokovic went on to say that he hopes vaccination requirements will change in the future, but that he is equally "keeping [his] mind open" about one day getting vaccinated.
"We are all trying to find collectively, the best possible solution to end Covid," he said. "I was never against vaccination. I understand that globally, everyone is trying to put a big effort into handling this virus and seeing, hopefully, an end soon to this virus."
Later in the interview, the star spoke about his recent trouble in Australia, saying that while he was disappointed in the outcome he does not feel he was in the wrong.
"I was not deported from Australia on the basis that I was not vaccinated, or I broke any rules or that I made an error in my visa declaration," he said, adding that the real reason for his deportation was Minister Hawke's "perception that I might create some anti-vax sentiment in the country."