Novak Djokovic can choose not to get vaccinated but he should stay out of the "victimization lane," says tennis journalist

Tennis journalist Jon Wertheim recently commented on Novak Djokovic attempting to seek an exemption to play in the upcoming Indian Wells Open and the Miami Open. According to Wertheim, while Djokovic is free to refuse the vaccination and accept the consequences, he should refrain from playing the victim.

Djokovic is currently not eligible to enter the United States because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19. The Serb has reportedly sought permission from government authorities to play in the Sunshine Double happening in March-April.

Commenting on the issue, Wertheim did not pull any punches, stating that it was "ridiculous" how Djokovic continued to reject the vaccine that the majority of people around the world and the ATP Tour have embraced already.

"It’s ridiculous that restrictions and prohibitions still persist here… And so too is it ridiculous that he still persists in rejecting to get the damn vaccine that 99 of the other top 100 players have (sometimes grudgingly) gotten….." Wertheim tweeted.

While the journalist admitted that it was equally ridiculous for the US to still enforce such a strict vaccine mandate, he wondered why the 22-time Grand Slam champion was seemingly not ready to face the consequences of his decision to choose "body autonomy."

"Yeah this is what gets me as well… We all want body autonomy and free choice. It’s his choice not to get vaccinated and accept the consequences. Fine. We should respect that….But then stay out of the victimization lane…." Wertheim tweeted.

It should be noted that the entry list for the Indian Wells Open includes the 35-year-old, who is the provincial top seed at the Masters 1000 event.

Novak Djokovic will be player to beat in 2023, says Brad Gilbert

Regardless of whether Novak Djokovic can play in the Sunshine Double or not, tennis coach extraordinaire Brad Gilbert reckons the World No. 1 is the player to beat in 2023. Gilbert even suggested that Djokovic has what it takes to win at least two of the four Grand Slams this year.

"I think that it's definitely going to be Djoker vs everyone else this year," Brad Gilbert said. "If I had to set an over-under, I'd say two-and-a-half Slams for him. He's getting better at 35. Djoker, I believe, has gone to another elevation where he's making these adjustments in his game to the Tsitsipas's, to the Alcaraz's, to all the young players that are pushing him. That is probably in some sense going to add time on his game."