The 24-time Grand Slam champion’s stance previously disrupted his career, resulting in his deportation from Australia in 2022 and missed appearances at major global tournaments.
In the documentary, Djokovic defends his choice by pointing to his physical condition as an elite athlete and his prior infection with the virus. “Because I didn’t need it. Why should I get the vaccine? I’m healthy, I’m an athlete. I had corona. I had immunity. I wasn’t a threat to anyone. He emphasizes individual autonomy, adding, “It’s my freedom to choose which is that fundamental right that you have as a human being on this planet — the freedom to choose — which was taken from a lot of people.”
Tournament Impact and Career Consequences
Djokovic’s refusal to comply with travel and entry mandates during the height of the pandemic created a global sports controversy. In January 2022, he was detained and deported from Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open after his visa was canceled. Although an initial three-year travel ban was later overturned by Australian authorities, allowing him to return and win the title in 2023, the decision kept him off tournament rosters across multiple continents.
Those tournament absences included:
- The Australian Open (2022)
- The US Open (2022)
- The BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells (2022, 2023)
- The Miami Open (2022, 2023)
- The Canadian Open (2022)
- The Cincinnati Masters (2022)
Earlier in the pandemic, in 2020, Djokovic contracted COVID-19 after organizing the Adria Tour exhibition event in Serbia and Croatia, where several participating players—including Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric, and Viktor Troicki—also tested positive.
Record-Breaking Achievements Despite Absences
Despite periods of forced absence from the professional circuit, Djokovic’s competitive legacy remains historic. He holds the all-time men’s record with 24 Grand Slam singles titles, comprising 10 Australian Open championships, seven Wimbledon titles, four US Open titles, and three French Open titles, as noted by GiveMeSport.
Furthermore, the Serbian player has spent a record 428 weeks ranked as the world number one and secured the men’s singles gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. As he continues competing on the professional tour, Djokovic remains focused on capturing a record-extending 25th major championship.
Related reading