“I WAS never against vaccination. I understand that globally, everyone is trying to put a big effort into handling this virus and seeing, hopefully, an end soon to this virus.”

Novak Djokovic’s claim that “we are all trying to find, collectively, a best possible solution to end Covid” rings rather hollow when he sees fit to announce to his many fans that he’d rather not play tennis than get a jab.

He appears to have failed to grasp the idea that vaccination is not just an individual’s protection against illness but is a proven collective effort to eradicate disease, protecting the weak along with the strong.

The strapping Serb can well afford to sit about and wait for the rest of the world to sort out this pandemic: he’s stinking rich. 

But he seems unaware of the example he is setting to those who are somewhat less wealthy and sceptical or hesitant about the jab. 

He says he is very careful about what he introduces into his body, as an elite athlete. 

This notion that he alone is careful, that he takes care of himself, that he is special, exceptional, is, I would posit, shared by many top athletes and sportspeople: it may be a vital part of turning them into winners, with all the wealth and accolades that competition can bring. 

But it also turns many into spoilt brats who lack a sense of social awareness. 

Please get a jab, Mr Djokovic.