As one of the most impressive tennis stars in Greek history, and in the current ATP circuit, Stefanos Tsitsipas is a well-respected player. His record speaks for itself, but he has also been a player more than happy to give their opinion on a whole range of subjects over the years. Recently, though, the prospect of the COVID-19 vaccine being widespread amongst sports stars has become a major talking point. Some players have flat-out refused to get the vaccine, while others are hesitant for a whole host of reasons.
The Greek star, though, has made clear that he will not take the vaccination unless it becomes mandatory on the ATP Tour. The 23-year-old has been criticised for his actions, though, with many seeing sports stars as a key voice in normalising vaccination among the young. With many young across Europe and beyond still hesitant or outright resistant to be jagged, the hope was that sports stars would come together in a pro-vaccination campaign. So far, this has not happened.
Indeed, Tsitsipas was clear that he would not take on the vaccination without it becoming a mandatory need. If it remains his choice, he will not take the vaccination.
Having enjoyed a fine sporting season so far, with a Final in the French Open before a shock first-round exit at Wimbledon, Tsitsipas has been clear that he has found the COVID situation challenging to live and compete within.
When asked if he would go out of his way to get jagged whilst competing in the United States, though, Tsitsipas was clear that he would not do so without vaccination becoming a mandatory need.
What did Stefanos Tsitsipas say about vaccination for COVID-19?
When pushed on the topic, Tsitsipas said: “No one has told me anything. No one has made it a mandatory thing to be vaccinated. At some point I will have to, I’m pretty sure about it, but so far it hasn’t been mandatory to compete, so I haven’t done it, no.”
The topic of mandatory jags has become a big talking point on the circuit. Controversy stuck when the World No. 1, Novak Djokovic, said that he hoped that vaccination would not become a mandatory factor of the tour. He also was unclear on whether or not he had personally received the vaccination or not.
However, his contemporaries in Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have both had their vaccination, with the Spaniard saying: “The only way out of this nightmare is vaccination. Our responsibility as human beings is to accept it. I know there is a percentage of people who will suffer from side effects, but the effects of the virus are worse.”
What happens next will be interesting, with such a clear divide between the need for protection and the desire for personal agency. While for now the vaccine is not mandatory, it could become a more debated talking point in the weeks and months to come as COVID-19 continues to be a major issue worldwide.
