Rafael Nadal said on Thursday (6) he regretted the fact that rival Novak Djokovic was prevented from entering Australia. He pointed out, however, that the Serb knew he could face problems if he arrived in the country without being vaccinated against Covid-19.
“In a way, I feel for him. But at the same time, he knew the conditions for many months and made his own decision,” he said. “Everyone is free to make their own decisions, but there are consequences.”
Djokovic was detained by authorities at the border amid a series of protests and political developments over the decision to grant him a medical exemption from vaccination requirements to play at the Australian Open.
The world number one, who has won nine tournament titles, including the last three, and last year tied with Nadal and Roger Federer for 20 career Grand Slam titles, is isolated in a quarantine hotel in Melbourne as his lawyers dispute the federal government’s entry ban. A hearing on the case is scheduled for Monday (10).
“Of course I don’t like the situation that is going on,” Nadal said after winning his first match at Melbourne’s ATP 250 tournament. “The only thing that’s clear to me is that if you’re vaccinated, you can play at the Australian Open and anywhere. The world has suffered enough for the rules to not be followed.”
The Spaniard, who received two doses, tested positive for Covid-19 last month after playing in an exhibition in Abu Dhabi. He reported experiencing some “very challenging” days.
“I believe what people who know about medicine say, and if people say we need to be vaccinated, we need to be vaccinated,” he said.
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