Novak Djokovic branded ‘the king of stupidity’ by former world number one

Former world number one Marcelo Rios has branded Novak Djokovic the ‘king of stupidity’ over his continued refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

Djokovic has maintained for months now that he will not get vaccinated and is prepared to take whatever consequences come with that decision.

It has led to his deportation from Australia at the start of the year and him being unable to compete at Indian Wells and the Miami Open.

Djokovic will make his return to the ATP Tour this week at the Monte-Carlo Masters, but with him only playing three matches so far this year many are wondering if he will be fit enough to be able to reach his usual level.

In Djokovic’s absence at the start of the year, Rafael Nadal won the Australian Open to forge ahead in the Grand Slam race, and Rios has made it pretty clear he does not agree with the Serbian’s decision.

“It’s stupid, he is going to give up the race and he is not going to be the best in history because of a vaccine,” Rios told La Tercera of Djokovic.

Rios went on to explain that he, like Novak Djokovic, was initially sceptical of the Covid-19 vaccine, but now believes it has simply become a necessity for a normal life.

“I thought the same [initially], but then I started travelling and I had to take it,” he explained.

“I don’t know what the reason is, but if you’re trying to be the best in history and you’re going to give up the race for some vaccines, you have to be the king of stupidity.

“I believe that at first it was out of fear, but now he is being too arrogant.”

 Free >> Join our legendary newsletter

🎾 Join >> Receive $700/£600 of tennis gear from the Tennishead CLUB

🎾 Social >> Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube

🎾 Read >> World’s best tennis magazine

🎾 Watch >> How to enjoy ATP/WTA/Slam tennis on TV

🎾 Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted partner

🎾 Gambling>> Betway tennis odds