JAKARTA - The Spanish government asked Novak Djokovic to set a good example in the midst of a pandemic like now. The Matador country wants the 34-year-old tennis player to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Djokovic's decision not to be vaccinated actually backfired on himself.
Consequently he was unable to take part in this year's Australian Open after his visa was denied for entering the country without vaccinations and only pocketing a medical exemption.
"What Mr Djokovic has to do is get vaccinated, that would be the most sensible thing to do," said Spanish government spokeswoman Isabel Rodriguez.
Spain doesn't actually require vaccines like Australia does. However, the rate of vaccine in Matador Country is one of the highest in Europe.
Djokovic himself regularly travels to Spain. He owns a house in the southern resort of Marbella and spent several days there in late December and early January.
"Leading by example is important and this is what the great sportsmen and women of our country do. For example, Mr (Rafael) Nadal," Rodriguez said.
Current Spanish rules require people to show a vaccine certificate, negative PCR test or certificate of having recovered from COVID-19 to enter the country.
This rule allows Djokovic to compete at the Madrid Open from April 26 to May 8. Especially Madrid does not have special rules regarding the corona virus to take part in the sporting event.
Djokovic is now in his native Serbia, where he was greeted like a hero after his deportation from Australia.
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