If Novak Djokovic refuses to get vaccinated, can I? I can imagine this question is the start of many dinner table conversations within the last few weeks. Novak Djokovic is a professional tennis champion who is currently ranked number one by the Association of Tennis Professionals. Djokovic’s refusal to get vaccinated exemplifies “that paragon of physical health, cloaked in a cape of defiance, declares to the world by example that you don’t have to follow public health policy after all — as long as you win.”
Djokovic’s choice in remaining unvaccinated and refusing to believe scientists, amidst the surge of Omicron cases in Australia, shows the power and influence athletes like him hold in society. There are many levels to this controversy. Although, it is important to point to the fact that the propagation of anti-vaccination theories by athletes, and people in power within other institutions, only perpetuates public skepticism of the science itself. It also creates a society where no two people will be treated fairly under the same laws. Djokovic is naive to the fact that he has “a privilege that millions more are still waiting for.”
The refusal of star athletes to get vaccinated is more detrimental than one may like to believe. Djokovic is an international phenom, a tennis champion with “86 ATP singles titles, including a joint record 20 Grand Slam titles, five ATP Finals titles, and a record 37 ATP Master titles.” Because of these accomplishments, he has become an icon in the world of tennis and athletics.
He has been the theme of childrens’ bedroom walls with posters, pictures and a dream to one day become as successful as him. These followers track his every move and value what he says on his platforms and to the press. When these followers read or hear Djokovic say, “I wouldn’t want to be forced by someone to take a vaccine…how we can empower our metabolism to be in the best shape to defend against impostors like Covid-19”, they are bound to take a step back and consider his view.
This outlines the contemporary dilemma of people in power with a following ignorantly expressing unethical statements, causing false information to be a norm. If Djokovic took a step back and realized the power of his words, perhaps he would not make false claims. Perhaps he would come to understand that his words affect millions of followers and the public.
Australia’s struggle with Covid-19 is well-known and today their cases continue to rise. “Australia is a dramatic example of disputes we’re seeing play out around the world, in sports and beyond, as institutions weigh public health guidelines against their own needs.” Around the world schools are closing, supply chains are strained, people are dying and hope is vanishing, yet the news headlines are covering accommodations for problematic athlete behavior.
The controversy with Djokovic reveals a number of faults in the system. In terms of the sports industry itself, the stars are calling the shots. An industry such as this is only as good as its stars make them. This causes them to fight hard for the word of their athletes, keep them happy and keep the advertisers happier. Advertisement agencies fund the cost of the stadium, often the team’s expenses and enable low-priced tickets. Essentially, without advertisement agencies, the sports industry would not exist.
Djokovic’s refusal to vaccinate shows the continuous lack of community and cooperation that still exists around the world, even given the unprecedented trauma humanity has faced in this pandemic. This dilemma also exemplifies the power of the sports industry. There are families in countries around the world patiently waiting for their turn to get the shot to alleviate the horror of this virus. Yet, rather than using some of the millions of dollars that this institution makes to help families and communities get access to this shot, the focus is on a white man who doesn’t believe he needs it. That is capitalistic systemic power and privilege at its core.
