- Marcelo Rios, the former world No.1 thinks Novak Djokovic is the ‘king of stupidity’
- Rios, said it beats logic having Djokovic run away from making history due to a jab
- He says Djokovic is only proving that he is arrogant
Marcelo Rios, the former world No.1 is onto Novak Djokovic and has branded him the ‘king of stupidity’ over his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
Rios, while speaking to La Tercera said it beats logic having Djokovic run away from making history due to a jab.
“It’s stupid, he is going to give up the race and he is not going to be the best in history because of a vaccine,” Rios said.
He faulted Djokovic for taking his vaccine doubts too far adding that he at some point thought alike but changed his mind.
Rios got the jab because he understood that it was a necessity of life. He says Djokovic is being too arrogant.
WHY DOES MARCELO RIOS THINK NOVAK DJOKOVIC IS THE KING OF STUPIDITY?
Marcelo Rios. Photo/Newsy Today
“I thought the same [initially], but then I started travelling and I had to take it. 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.
“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.
Djokovic’s anti-vaccination stand locked him out of the Australian Open in 2022. He was held at a detention centre in Melbourne for days before being deported dramatically.
Although a visa mix up contributed to his deportation, his vaccination status also contributed to this deportation.
Why Did Novak Djokovic Pull Out of Miami Open and Indian Wells?
In March, Djokovic announced he would not play at the Miami Open and the Indian Wells tournaments in the US later this year.
The Serbian withdrew from the Masters 1000 tournaments citing tough Covid-19 vaccination rules.
He was selected in the Indian Wells draw despite uncertainties surrounding his attendance in the competition. Djokovic was included in the draw since he was on the official entry list, according to the event organizers.
“While I was automatically listed in the BNP Paribas Open and Miami Open draw I knew it would be unlikely I’d be able to travel. The CDC has confirmed that regulations won’t be changing so I won’t be able to play in the US. Good luck to those playing in these great tournaments.”
Speaking for the first time after his deportation, Djokovic said that he was ready to miss the French Open or any other tournament with rigid Covid-19 vaccination rules.
Speaking to BBC in a wide-ranging interview, Djokovic said that as far as immunization goes, he is not opposed to it. However, he won’t hesitate to walk away from championships if he is forced to get the Covid-19 vaccination.
He remarked that all he has done is fight for freedom of what goes to his body.
“I was never against vaccination, but I’ve always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body,” says Djokovic.
The 20-time Grand Slam Champion explains that everyone must have a right to choose what they feel is appropriate for them.
However, he said he is open-minded about vaccination in the future because he understands the world is looking for a solution to end the pandemic.
“I was never against vaccination. I understand that globally, everyone is trying to put a big effort into handling this virus and seeing, hopefully, an end soon to this virus.
Novak Djokovic Playing At Monte Carlo Masters
Novak Djokovic. Photo/SBNation.com
Djokovic will be playing at Monte Carlo Masters this week for the first time since the 2022 season started.
However, he warned that as he prepares to return to action at the Monte Carlo Masters, he will not be at his best.
“I understand that I probably won’t be at my best at the beginning of this week,” said Djokovic according to Tennis365.
The Serbian added that he is now building his game ahead of the Monte Carlo tournament. And he is realistic enough that this process takes a lot of time.
However, he feels motivated to go back where it all happens – especially in Monaco where he last played 10 years ago.
“I am still 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.
“I still feel motivated to be on the Tour and compete with young guys and try to challenge the best players in the world for the biggest titles,” Djokovic said.
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