‘Easier if Djokovic gets vaccinated,’ says Andy Murray

February 22, 2022 Team MVR

Andy Murray on Monday said he does not agree with Novak Djokovic’s stance against the Covid-19 vaccine but believes “it’s not great for tennis if our best player is not competing in the major events”.

Former world number one and three-time major winner Murray was speaking as Djokovic made a succesful return to the sport thanks to a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in Dubai.

"I couldn't ask for a better reception."🙌@DjokerNole | @DDFTennis | #DDFTennis pic.twitter.com/C7FY0bvdum

— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 21, 2022

It was Djokovic’s first match of 2022 after he was deported from Australia last month for not being vaccinated.

“I think it would be a lot easier for him obviously if he was to get vaccinated,” Murray said after also making the second round in Dubai after a three-set win over Christopher O’Connell.

“But I also didn’t like seeing him in the situation that he was in Australia as someone that I respect, have known since I was a child.

“There are consequences to the decisions he’s made just now. He obviously has to accept that. But I don’t think it’s great for tennis if our best player is not competing in the major events.”