Former World No.1 Marcelo Rios has labelled Novak Djokovic the ‘king of stupidity’ over his continued refusal to get the jab.
After missing out on the Australian Open due to the tournament’s vaccination mandate, the Serb said that he would be willing to sacrifice Grand Slam title over his stand on vaccination.
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However, Rios is still in disbelief that Djokovic is giving up on the race to become the greatest male tennis player in history over the issue.
“It’s stupid, he is going to give up the race and he is not going to be the best in history because of a vaccine,” Rios said to the La Tercera newspaper.
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“I thought the same (initially), but then I started travelling and I had to take it.
“I don’t know what the reason is, but if you’re trying to be the best in history and you’re going to give up the race for some vaccines, you have to be the king of stupidity.
“I believe that at first it was out of fear, but now he is being too arrogant.”
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Djokovic has played only one tournament so far this year but is likely to play a full clay season, starting with the Monte Carlo Masters.
A nine-time champion at the Australian Open, Djokovic had to sit out in 2022 and watched Rafael Nadal become the first men’s player to win a 21st Grand Slam crown.
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Djokovic and Roger Federer have 20 majors each.
“I miss competition,” the World No 1 said in Monte Carlo on Sunday. “I still feel motivation to be on the tour and compete… and try to challenge the best players in the world for the biggest titles.”
