Djokovic opposes idea of mandatory vaccination once play resumes

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Novak Djokovic hopes players aren't subjected to mandatory vaccinations once the tennis season has returned from its coronavirus-enforced hiatus.

"Personally, I am opposed to vaccination, and I wouldn't want to be forced by someone to take a vaccine in order to be able to travel," Djokovic said during a live Facebook chat with several Serbian athletes, according to Reuters' Zoran Milosavljevic.

"But if it becomes compulsory, what will happen? I will have to make a decision. I have my own thoughts about the matter and whether those thoughts will change at some point, I don't know."

Djokovic's comments are in stark contrast to those of two-time Grand Slam champion Amelie Mauresmo, who recently stated that no tennis should be played until all players are vaccinated.

The ATP and WTA have jointly suspended play until at least July 13.

Wimbledon was recently canceled for the first time since World War II, while the USTA expects to postpone or cancel the US Open by June. The French Open is tentatively scheduled for September, nearly four months after its originally scheduled date.