Crowd favorite Novak Djokovic defeated Daniil Medvedev, 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3, on Sunday to claim victory at the US Open and his 24th major championship, but the famously unvaccinated athlete “outplayed” more than just his fellow players.
(Video: YouTube)
“Novax(k) is the best player ever,” declared one user on X following Djokovic’s win. “He outplayed Moderna, Astra and Pfizer.”
“It’s great to witness a sportsman clutching his heart, knowing it’s not myocarditis, a stroke, or an impending heart attack,” the user added.
Novax(k) is the best player ever. He outplayed Moderna, Astra and Pfizer
It’s great to witness a sportsman clutching his heart, knowing it’s not myocarditis, a stroke, or an impending heart attack. pic.twitter.com/OKZt8tX5TU
— OurVoicesMatter (@OV_Matter) September 11, 2023
Moderna, one of the makers of the COVID-19 vaccines that nearly kept Djokovic from playing, did indeed sponsor the US Open this year.
“Moderna is proud to be a partner of the US Open,” the company stated on the US Open website. “We are working to deliver the greatest possible impact to people through mRNA medicines.”
As BizPac Review reported in Jan. 2022, Djokovic was deported from Australia over his refusal to submit to the mandated vaccine, preventing him from playing in the Australian Open.
“I am extremely disappointed with the court ruling to dismiss my application for judicial review of the Minister’s decision to cancel my visa, which means I cannot stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open,” Djokovic said in a statement at the time.
“I respect the court’s ruling and I will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country,” he continued. “I am uncomfortable that the focus of the past weeks has been on me and I hope that we can all now focus on the game and tournament I love.”
For sticking to his convictions — even over his career — Djokovic earned the love and respect of even those conservatives who’ve never watched a tennis match.
One year later, still un-vaxxed, the Serbian player made a triumphant return to Oz, capturing his 10th Australian Open Men’s Singles and his 22nd Grand Slam titles and cementing himself as the world’s top tennis player.
Novak Djokovic reclaims top rating in triumphant return to Australia 1 year after vaxx status ban https://t.co/HkIVkkrstp pic.twitter.com/ugtt22zBG2
— BizPac Review (@BIZPACReview) January 31, 2023
The irony of Moderna’s sponsorship of the US Open match with Djokovic’s celebrated win soared to epic heights in what “Relentless” podcast host Kyle Becker called, a “moment of Zen.”
Now, for your Moment of Zen.
Disney-owned ESPN is forced to announce famously unvaxxed tennis superstar Novak Djokovic defeated his Russian opponent to tie the all-time grand slam singles title at the U.S. Open… and his “shot of the day” is brought to you by MODERNA pic.twitter.com/ofapsnrgWj
— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) September 11, 2023
As sweet as the jab to the eyes of those who made the jabs is to many, Megyn Kelly lamented the intrusion of agendas into the sport.
No national anthem at the #USOpen – just a mixture of America the Beautiful & Lift Every Voice & Sing. This, as everywhere we are barraged with “50 years of equal pay!” reminders and Moderna signs. Can we just have a non-woke, non-agenda pushing men’s tennis championship?
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) September 10, 2023
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Melissa Fine is the former executive editor of Casino Player, Strictly Slots, and Poker
Digest magazines. She is a UCLA graduate, news junkie, and dedicated Stargate SG-
1 fan. Melissa currently lives with her dog and two cats in a tiny town in the Sierra
Nevada foothills.
Comment
We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.