TENNIS legend Novak Djokovic ‘will have the coronavirus vaccine’ according to his biographer Daniel Muksch.
And watching Rafa Nadal become the most successful player in the history of men’s professional tennis by winning the Australian Open has allegedly prompted this move.
The World No1 sensationally missed the tournament Down Under after being booted out of the country over his vaccine stance.
Aussie judges decided to uphold his deportation after a series of court battles in which he tried to claim an exemption from Australia’s jab mandate.
He arrived in the country claiming a recent positive test meant he could swerve the vaccine requirement to compete at Melbourne Park.
But border officials disagreed and a tense two-week legal battle ensued.
And Djokovic was eventually left ‘extremely disappointed’ after three judges unanimously dismissed his last-ditch appeal to stay Down Under and chase a record 21st Grand Slam win.
Now, according to Muksch, the Serbian star will have the vaccine so as not to miss out on winning more Grand Slams.
Speaking on Servus TV, as translated by SportsKeeda, Muksch said: “Maybe the final in Melbourne also contributed to that.
“Rafael Nadal’s 21 is driving him, no question. What you hear from his environment, I think he’s getting vaccinated.”
Nadal required five hours and 24 minutes of pulsating action to break down the will of No2 Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5 in the most epic of Australian Open finals.
It takes him up to 21 majors – and counting – and propels him beyond Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer for the first time in his career.
Djokovic has not spoken publicly since heading home but has been photographed on a trip to Montenegro.
The 34-year-old is now on the entry list for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, which begin on February 21.
Entrants to Dubai do not need to be vaccinated against Covid, so he should be in the clear to arrive in the country next month.
It is a tournament Djokovic has often played in the past, winning the title five times.
The Serb is likely to find his playing options severely limited if he remains unvaccinated.
