Distortion of vaccination fuels fire in Djokovic: “I definitely want to go to 2024” | tennis

After a judicial drama in two parts The Australian government sent Novak Djokovic home a month ago with no chance of winning his 10th Australian Open title. The entire saga has kept the tennis world fascinated for days, but the risk of facing the same problem at the next big tournaments hasn’t changed the number one Serbian.

“The principle of being able to decide for myself about my body is more important than any title,” Djokovic said in an interview with the BBC earlier this week† The 34-year-old has not seen himself welcome in Australia for three years due to his ban, although it has been said that an exception can be made. “It’s hard to forget what happened there, but I definitely want to go back there to play at Rod Laver Arena,” Djokovic said on Serbian TV. I have a connection with Australia.

He is already looking forward. “An Olympic medal has always been a big wish, especially the gold,” said Djokovic, who had to leave Tokyo empty-handed last summer after losing in the semi-finals and in the fight for the bronze. “That’s why I definitely want to participate in Paris 2024 again.”

But Djokovic will participate for the twelfth time in Dubai. No vaccination for the ATP 500 championship he has already won five times. “Everything that happened has an effect on me coming back here,” the 20-time Grand Slam champion said. “I will try to channel all that energy, to run the engine mentally and physically. I am so excited to play better than ever.”

Then in March, if he’s not allowed to take part in Indian Wells and Miami, should he consider getting vaccinated again? “I’m a big athlete,” said the health geek. “I want to triple check everything that goes into my body. When something changes half a percent, I feel it. I just be careful before making a decision. I take my time and look at it with an open mind. And I’ll live with the consequences.”