Following Rafael Nadal's 21st Grand Slam victory at the Australian Open, rumors have emerged that Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic may be planning to get vaccinated against COVID-19. This information comes from Daniel Müksch, Djokovic's biographer, who claimed in an interview that the competitive spirit stirred by Nadal’s success might be influencing Djokovic's decision to prioritize his return to professional tennis over his previous hesitance regarding vaccination. Müksch noted that Djokovic's desire to compete at the highest level again is greater than his concerns about not having a complete vaccination scheme against the coronavirus.

Müksch highlighted that the ongoing rivalry between Nadal and Djokovic continues to motivate both players, particularly with Nadal's recent achievement. The biographer suggested that this sense of competition is likely pushing Djokovic towards a decision favoring vaccination, which is important for his participation in future tournaments. The statement comes amid Djokovic's past controversies related to his vaccination status, particularly an incident in Melbourne where he faced significant legal and professional challenges due to his stance on COVID-19 vaccinations.

As Djokovic prepares for his return to the circuit, subject to his vaccination status, the tennis world watches with anticipation. Should he indeed choose to get vaccinated, this could not only impact his career trajectory but also the broader discussions around sports and vaccination policies as athletes navigate their responsibilities in the evolving pandemic landscape.