Tsitsipas Finally Wants To Be Vaccinated: I Personally Don't Promote Vaccination

Stefanos Tsitsipas (Twitter @steftsitsipas)

JAKARTA - Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas defended his views on coronavirus vaccination, but said he would be vaccinated this year.

The world's number three was lambasted by the Greek government last month after saying he would only get vaccinated if he was required to participate in a tennis tournament.

However, the 23-year-old said in an interview with the Antena television channel that he would now be vaccinated.

"I personally don't promote vaccination," Tsitsipas said. "I'm not against vaccination. I support anyone who wants to be vaccinated."

"I'm not a doctor, I'm a tennis player and I'm not the best when it comes to medicine. Vaccinations will happen this year so I can go to a shop or restaurant."

Tsitsipas, who became the face of Greece's "Stay At Home" campaign last year during the height of the pandemic, acknowledged the difficulties during the first lockdown in 2020.

"I feel like my life is meaningless," he said. "I couldn't make what I planned to do."

Tsitsipas reached his first Grand Slam final in June this year when he lost five sets to Novak Djokovic in the French Open.

On Monday, Greek health authorities announced that booster vaccinations will be given to health workers and people over the age of 60.