Novak Djokovic defends COVID-19 vaccine decision in new documentary
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 5:36 PM
Last updated Aug 22, 2026
In his new documentary, Novak Djokovic reaffirms his decision not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The issue has lingered since 2022, when he missed several major tournaments, including the Australian Open and the US Open, due to vaccine mandates. Djokovic argues he had immunity after recovering from the virus and believes in personal freedom of choice regarding vaccination. His stance has remained unchanged years later, as he does not express regret over the consequences of his decision.
- •Djokovic discusses vaccine choice in 'Novak Djokovic: The Wolf in Winter'
- •He missed major events including the Australian Open and US Open in 2022
- •Djokovic cites personal health and immunity as reasons for his decision
- •The documentary outlines his rise from war-torn Serbia to tennis success
- 7:58 PMYahoo Sports — ‘I didn’t need it’ – Novak Djokovic reignites COVID-19 vaccine controversy with blunt admission
- 5:36 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Why should I get the vaccine?’: Novak Djokovic refuses to apologize
"Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic made a rather high-profile decision not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, causing him to miss multiple high-profile tournaments throughout the world as a result of vaccine mandates. Years later, it sounds like he has no regrets. During a recent interview for his new documentary, Djokovic refused to apologize for his decision…
"Novak Djokovic has reignited the COVID-19 vaccine debate after offering a blunt explanation for his decision not to get vaccinated, despite previously testing positive for the virus. The 24-time Grand Slam champion refused to take the vaccine, a decision that led to his deportation from Australia in 2022 and the cancellation of his visa.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 22, 2026, 7:58 PM‘I didn’t need it’ – Novak Djokovic reignites COVID-19 vaccine controversy with blunt admission
Novak Djokovic has reignited the COVID-19 vaccine debate after offering a blunt explanation for his decision not to get vaccinated, despite previously testing positive for the virus. The 24-time Grand Slam champion refused to take the vaccine, a decision that led to his deportation from Australia in 2022 and the cancellation of his visa.
- Yahoo SportsAug 22, 2026, 5:36 PM‘Why should I get the vaccine?’: Novak Djokovic refuses to apologize
Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic made a rather high-profile decision not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, causing him to miss multiple high-profile tournaments throughout the world as a result of vaccine mandates. Years later, it sounds like he has no regrets. During a recent interview for his new documentary, Djokovic refused to apologize for his decision…
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