Novak Djokovic is the ‘king of idiots’ for selfish vaccine stance, according to Marcelo Rios
Novak Djokovic will never go down in history as the greatest of all time, according to a former world No 1 who has slammed the Serb for his arrogance over vaccinations.
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Novak Djokovic has been labelled the “king of idiots” and will never go down in history as the greatest of all time, according to former world No 1 Marcelo Rios.
Always a straight talker, the ex-Chilean player has taken aim at the current world No 1 for his views on vaccinations which have dominated the headlines since his attempts to play in the Australian Open this year.
Djokovic has always been open about his anti-vax sentiments and was unable to defend his Melbourne title in January after being deported.
Having initially been granted a medical exemption, Djokovic’s visa was overturned less that 24 hours before the Australian Open got under way on “health and good order” grounds amid fears his presence would incite increased anti-vax sentiment.
Djokovic has since refused to get vaccinated and faces missing out on more titles and trophies as entry requirements around the world mandate the jab.
His attitude and behaviour have infuriated Rios.
“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,” he told La Tercera.
“I believe that at first it was out of fear, but now he is being too arrogant.
“Djokovic won’t go down as the GOAT because of a vaccine. He is the king of idiots, too arrogant.”
Djokovic is currently in Monaco contesting the Monte Carlo Masters where he has opened up on his absence from the tour.
Having been declared a ‘persona non grata’ for the Miami and Masters and Indian Wells, Djokovic has played just one tournament (Dubai) and three matches in 2022.
He says he is feeling the strain.
“Once I start playing matches, then I will have to deal with everything that probably has been dormant inside and is maybe waiting to come out (smiling),” he said in Monaco.
“I’m trying to deal with it on a daily basis or weekly basis. If something surfaces, I acknowledge it and move on. I am testing my engine, so to say, and building my game, so it will take obviously some time, some matches to really get in the groove and find the competitive play that I really need.”
Despite the dramas off-court, Djokovic remains focused on adding to his grand slam title collection and ants to play in Paris.
“Roland Garros is the ultimate goal in clay court season,” he added.
“I miss competition. I still feel motivation to be on the tour and compete with young guys and try to challenge for the biggest titles.
“Last 4-5 months have been really challenging for me mentally and emotionally, but I will try to leave all of that behind and move on.
“I didn’t expect myself to be No. 1 without playing really tournaments this year, but I guess I was lucky. I’ll take it. I’ll try to maintain that position as much as possible.”
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Originally published as Novak Djokovic is the ‘king of idiots’ for selfish vaccine stance, according to Marcelo Rios
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