Djokovic is hopeful that the COVID-19 vaccine will not be forced on players

Novak Djokovic said he hoped the players would not be forced to be vaccinated

ATP earlier this month released new guidelines stating that vaccinated players would not be considered as contacts with all people who found out they were infected. Novak Djokovic said he hoped the players would not be forced to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to compete in the ATP circuit and that their freedom of choice should be upheld. The men's tennis governing body has also compiled a list of released players. Both ATP and WTA for women recommend athletes receive a vaccine if available.

Djokovic said "there are many options for vaccination" but it is still unclear whether it is mandatory. "I don't think that's going to get to that. I hope not, because I always believe in free will," Djokovic told reporters when asked if he was vaccinated. "And I'm going to keep the decision whether to get vaccinated or not, the decision is imminent and I don't want to go to this pro game and the vaccine, he further added "I don't want to be called an anti-vaccine. I will not answer the question .. and I hope everyone will respect that.".

Djokovic, who was diagnosed with COVID-19 last year, previously said he was opposed to the vaccine himself and would not want anyone to force him to take the vaccine.