Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray says world No.1 Novak Djokovic has to live with the consequences of not being vaccinated, at the same time lamenting that it’s not good for the sport.
Djokovic has finally recorded his first win of 2022, defeating Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 6-3 in Dubai.
The world No.1 was deported from Melbourne just days out from the Australian Open, subsequently confirming he hasn’t been vaccinated. Djokovic said he isn’t an anti-vaxxer, but supports the right to choose what goes into his body.
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Murray is also through to the second round in Dubai, after a three-set win over Australia’s Chris O’Connell, but after the match had a few home truths for the 20-time major champion.
“I think it would be a lot easier for him obviously if he was to get vaccinated,” Murray said.
“But I also didn’t like seeing him in the situation that he was in Australia as someone that I respect, have known since I was a child.
“There are consequences to the decisions he’s made just now. He obviously has to accept that. But I don’t think it’s great for tennis if our best player is not competing in the major events.”
Djokovic could lose his world No.1 ranking to Australian Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev this week, but opened his Dubai campaign in style with a straights sets victory.
Musetti took Djokovic to five sets in the fourth round at Roland Garros last year, but was unable to match the Serbian in Dubai.
“I have to be satisfied with my tennis, especially after not playing for two and a half, three months,” Djokovic said after the match.
“Of course, there were moments when I played great, there were moments when I made a couple of unforced errors in a row uncharacteristically. But it’s normal to expect that (in my) first match after a while.”
Djokovic now plays the winner of tonight’s match between Karen Khachanov and Australia’s Alex de Minaur.
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