USA Today via Reuters
Mar 26, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Alexander Zverev of Germany hits a backhand against Emil Ruusuvuori of Finland (not pictured) in the second round in the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 26, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Alexander Zverev of Germany hits a backhand against Emil Ruusuvuori of Finland (not pictured) in the second round in the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
German tennis star Alexander Zverev has opened up on the vaccination debate in tennis amid the pandemic.
In an interview to a German publication, the current World No.6 said he hasn’t received the Covid-19 vaccine as yet and is unwilling to make his views public on the subject for fear of being misinterpreted.
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His position in the matter is, in a way, similar to World No.1 Novak Djokovic, who said that he would keep his decision strictly to himself as he doesn’t want to be judged or court needless headlines in the media.
“I don’t want the press to talk about what I do or not do. I don’t want people who are for or against to say something about it. I hope my decision is respected,” Djokovic said.
The Serb, while noting that the ATP has hasn’t yet clarified its position, added that he was in favor of players having a choice in the matter.
Speaking to a sports journalist, he revealed a conversation with his brother and tournament director of Serbia Open Djordje Djokovic, who said a lot of players participating in the tournament were willing to take the vaccine shots.
Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 17, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic with Germany’s Alexander Zverev after winning his quarter final match REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Alexander Zverev says players should reserve the right to decide when and where to have vaccines
Zverev echoed the refrain saying the players should have the right to choose when and where to take the vaccine, if at all, and a decision shouldn’t be forced on them.
“I don’t want to say much, it’s easily misinterpreted these days, no matter what you say. That’s too political for me. I don’t have a vaccination yet and I think everyone should do it as they see fit,” the German said.
The journalist, in question, had also apparently reached out to 13-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal at Barcelona Open, who claimed not many players at the event were willing to take the jab.
In a move that was hotly debated in media and expert circles, the ATP had recently announced certain privileges for players who arrive at the Monte-Carlo Masters after taking the vaccine shots.
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The decision was interpreted in certain quarters as a ploy by the game’s governing body to force players into getting vaccinated.
