Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic has just won the 24th Grand Slam title of his career- the US Open. Djokovic was absolutely ruthless against Daniil Medvedev, finally avenging his loss to the Russian in 2021. The Serb was so immaculate, that one of his plays was selected as the ‘Moderna shot of the day’. The irony of this was not lost on anyone.
Novak has always been very vocal in his opposition to the COVID-19 vaccine. In fact, his decision to forego the vaccine meant that he had to sit out of the tournaments played in the US last year. Djokovic could only return to the US for the first time in two years because the vaccine mandates were finally lifted.
Moderna was one of the leading pharmaceutical companies to provide a COVID-19 vaccine. It was also one of the major sponsors of the event this year. Hence the particular segment of Moderna showcasing Novak’s ‘shot’ of the day, was nothing short of ironic.
The Moderna Shot of the Day: Novak Djokovic, who refused to get the worthless covid shot, winning the championship. This just aired on @espn. Incredible: pic.twitter.com/M99LS40Yrd
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) September 11, 2023
Fans, of course, caught on to this immediately. They started taking digs at Djokovic, as one fan claimed it was, “Karma!” Another user came up with a portmanteau of Djokovic’s name and the word ‘vaccine’. Here are a few fan reactions.
NOVAXX Djokovic
— Chris Ochs (@TheChrisOchs) September 11, 2023
Karma!
— thomas avazian (@avaziant) September 11, 2023
😂 the moderna shot of the day…….the irony
— Trudy Seivwright MD (@SeivwrightTrudy) September 11, 2023
Novak Djokovic is not new to controversies, and some of his beliefs are bizarre. But he is firm in his stance, even if that means missing a few tournaments. Irrespective of his beliefs, Novak always strives to give his best.
Novak Djokovic has no regrets
The Serb’s return to the US after two years has been incredible. Novak played at the Cincinnati Open and won it. He then played at the US Open and won that too, collecting his 4th title at Flushing Meadows.
However, there was a period of uncertainty for Novak, due to his unvaccinated status. He was deported from Australia last year and then was barred from setting foot in the US. Despite it all, Djokovic does not regret his decisions.
“I have no regrets. I’ve learned through life that regrets only hold you back and basically make you live in the past,” said the world number one (via Reuters).
BREAKING: Novak Djokovic has won the US Open.
In 2022, Djokovic refused to bend the knee and didn’t get vaccinated, meaning he missed the 2022 Australian Open and the U.S. Open.
When asked if he regretted his decision, Djokovic said:
“I have no regrets. I’ve learned through… pic.twitter.com/e5RDFzjBNw
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 10, 2023
Novak Djokovic is one of the biggest icons of tennis. His personal views aside, Djokovic has taken the game to greater heights, through his discipline and skills. And he has plenty more to offer.
