We'll soon be winding down the live coverage of reaction to Novak Djokovic's exclusive interview with the BBC's Amol Rajan:

If you're just joining us and would like to catch up, here are the key headlines:

• Djokovic says he is willing to sacrifice future Grand Slam trophies rather than get vaccinated against Covid
• The world number one distances himself from the anti-vaccination movement, but defends an individual's right to choose to get vaccinated or not
• US tennis legend Pam Shriver says Djokovic's consistent refusal to have a vaccine is "terrible" for the sport
• Meanwhile, former British number one Tim Henman says Djokovic's choice to miss out on trophies "speaks volumes" about his "conviction"
• Many commentators have expressed scepticism of his claims to not be opposed to vaccination, pointing out that he is actively engaged in spreading anti-vaccination sentiment
• Experts have pointed to the safety and efficacy of Covid jabs, questioning what more exactly Djokovic would like to know
• Early indications are that he could be allowed to play in both the French Open in June and Wimbledon in July, but questions remain over the US Open in August and September

Sports psychologist Bradley Busch has some interesting thoughts on the mindset of elite athletes in relation to the Djokovic interview.

He says there’s something about the nature of sportsmen and sportswomen that makes them more likely to follow “alternative remedies”.

Athletes at the top of their sport are “constantly searching for this extra 1%”.

Busch says “survivorship bias” comes into play. They are very fit and healthy individuals and decisions they have made have paid off in their career, so it’s easy for them to fall into this “bubble” that makes them believe they “know better than modern medicine”.

But Busch wonders if Djokovic's single-mindedness "might be part of his downfall over the next future years".

Having heard the views of experts, supporters and opponents of Novak Djokovic on our exclusive interview, we can now hear from the man himself.

Writing on Twitter, Djokovic says he is grateful for the "opportunity to answer questions" from the BBC's Amol Rajan and to "set the record straight".

He also thanks fans for their support and patience in the weeks since the controversy over his participation in the Australian Open began.

In the wide-ranging interview, Amol challenges Djokovic on his views of Covid vaccine's safety.

You can watch the full interview on BBC One and iPlayer (in the UK only) at 20:30 GMT tonight.

Meanwhile, if you'd like to know more about the efficacy and safety of the jabs click here.

As people have been reacting to Novak Djokovic interview today, many have been questioning his denial that he is an anti-vaxxer and his attempts to distance himself from that movement.

People on social media have pointed out that, whatever the tennis star claims about his views on vaccines, he does publicly oppose Covid jabs and has engaged in spreading anti-vaccination messages.

Budget airline Ryanair saw the opportunity for some publicity, posting a tweet making fun of his position:

Let's remember, more than 60% of the world's population - 4.8 billion people - have received at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine.

All of the approved Covid-19 vaccines have undergone rigorous testing - including large clinical trials involving tens of thousands of people - and continue to be closely monitored.

How have people in Serbia reacted to interview?published at 12:08 Greenwich Mean Time 15 February 2022

12:08 GMT 15 February 2022

Guy De Launey, BBC Balkans Correspondent

The first interview by Novak Djokovic since his Australian misadventure is making headlines in all main news outlets in his home country of Serbia.

The Blic tabloid makes much of BBC interviewer Amol Rajan asking the tennis player “Why, Novak, why?” as Djokovic insists that he would rather miss defending his French Open and Wimbledon titles than have a vaccine against Covid-19. Blic says this declaration “completely shocked the journalist”.

The more upmarket Danas leads with the line that the world’s top male player would “sacrifice trophies” because of his beliefs.

And the state broadcaster, RTS, headlines with Djokovic’s assertion that “I am not anti-vaccine”.

Serbian people are already well aware of their sporting icon’s strict approach to nutrition and lifestyle. But their interest may be piqued by the player’s denial that there was anything amiss regarding his Covid test certificates.

Last week, police arrested a dozen people, including doctors and nurses, for their involvement in issuing counterfeit documents. Earlier this month, prosecutors said they had investigated Djokovic’s coronavirus certificates and found no evidence that they were manipulated.

Chances improving of Djokovic playing Grand Slamspublished at 11:49 Greenwich Mean Time 15 February 2022

11:49 GMT 15 February 2022

Russell Fuller
Tennis correspondent

Image source, Reuters

Novak Djokovic says he “sincerely hopes” international Covid regulations will soon change, and certainly within Europe, travelling is becoming easier for the unvaccinated.

His chances of playing in the French Open and at Wimbledon have improved in recent days. Under current rules, the unvaccinated no longer need to isolate on arrival in France if they have travelled from another EU country. Djokovic is now resident in Spain.

And even though there are more stringent testing requirements for unvaccinated arrivals in England, the need to quarantine has also been removed.

But the United States remains a serious problem for Djokovic. Vaccination certificates are compulsory, and there are few exceptions.

So the world number one is likely to miss next month’s prestigious tour events in Indian Wells and Miami, and could face further problems in late summer.

A string of tournaments take place in the US in August in the run up to the US Open, which is the final Grand Slam of the year.

In his exclusive interview with the BBC, Novak Djokovic flatly denied reports that there had been efforts to tamper with his positive Covid test in December.

His denial follows discrepancies revealed by the BBC that have cast doubt over the exact timing of his positive coronavirus test.

Documents submitted to a federal court in Australia during the Serb's deportation hearings included two Covid (PCR) test certificates, one with a positive result on 16 December and one with a negative result on 22 December.

But researchers have highlighted that the earlier test had a higher confirmation code than the later one, suggesting that the tests were out of sync.

The findings raise questions as to whether Djokovic would have been granted his initial medical exemption.

Serbian authorities have also denied that there were any issues with the 34-year-old's test and stated that the tests were authentic.

Read more BBC's analysis here.

Shaimaa Khalil
BBC News, Melbourne

Image source, Reuters

I’m outside Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park where Novak Djokovic was hoping to defend his Australian Open title in January.

He made headlines when he arrived in Australia and when he was deported - and now in his comments about this whole saga, Novak Djokovic has addressed the Australian people and acknowledged their frustration and anger.

There was a great deal of that the moment he announced he was coming with a vaccine exemption in January. Social media was alight with comments - many argued that they had endured long and strict lockdowns and had been required to get the vaccine in order to travel and reunite with their families.

Djokovic said he wasn’t given special treatment and that he followed the rules.

But Immigration Minister Alex Hawke based his decision to deport Djokovic not on the rules but on whether his presence would incite anti-vax sentiment.

Djokovic has distanced himself from the anti-vax movement, despite the protests against vaccine mandates at the time that essentially used him as a symbol.

Image source, Getty Images

In their interview, Djokovic was asked by the BBC's Amol Rajan what he would say to anti-vaccination protesters who have adopted him as a figurehead.

"I say that everyone has the right to choose to act and say whatever they feel is appropriate for them," he said.

"I have never said I am part of that movement. No-one in the whole process, during Australian saga has asked me for my stance or opinion on vaccination. No-one.

"So I could not really express what I feel and what my stance is, neither in the legal process or outside, so it is really unfortunate that there has been this misconception and wrong conclusion made around the world based on something I completely disagree with."

As we've already reported today, some commentators have pointed out that he does have popular social media profiles, which he has used to share other information.

Mike Wendling
BBC Trending

Image source, Getty Images

Novak Djokovic says he’s not an anti-vaxxer and in the interview distances himself from the anti-vaccine movement.

He says it’s a “misconception” that he was ever on the side of hardcore anti-vaxxers – even as they celebrated him as a hero.

The tennis star frames his refusal of a Covid vaccination in terms of personal choice. He wants ultimate control of what goes into his body.

That is an argument routinely seen on the most active anti-vaccine groups, particularly on the messaging app Telegram. But it’s just one of a hodgepodge of points that regularly makes the rounds. Others - including far more emotive false posts about sinister global plots and mass deaths - have less to do with individual liberties and are based purely in pseudoscience.

So perhaps it’s not surprising that, in the most conspiracy-addled groups, so far there hasn’t been a huge reaction to Djokovic’s interview.

But perhaps the nuance in the world number one’s argument will have made him less of a hero to that part of the crowd.

Image source, Getty Images

Of course, vaccination status is not just an issue for tennis - it is causing many top sports teams and athletes to alter their plans.

The Premier League said earlier this month that 80% of its players had been double jabbed, but the minority that haven't are unable to travel to some overseas ties.

European champions Chelsea have been facing being without some of their squad for next month's Champions League last-16 match tie away to Lille because of French government rules.

Kyrie Irving, one of the stars of the NBA basketball league in the United States, has a similar problem, but with his team's home matches.

Irving plays for the Brooklyn Nets and New York laws ban unvaccinated people in indoor venues.

"I stay rooted in my decision. It's not going to be swayed just because of one thing in this NBA life," said Irving in January.

Bayern Munich footballer Joshua Kimmich initially opted against vaccination, but, after contracting the virus and suffering some damage to his lungs, revised his opinion.

"Maybe I had to go through what I have now gone through first," he told ZDF.

"Of course, looking back, I would like to make the vaccination decision earlier, but at the time it wasn't possible for me."

Daily Mirror associate editor and political commentator Kevin Maguire remains unconvinced by Novak Djokovic's stance.

The only requirements to travel to England without being fully vaccinated are tests before and after arrival and a completion of a whereabouts form.

French Open organisers said in January that there would be no exemption to allow unvaccinated players to compete. The All England Club, which stages Wimbledon, are yet to announce their own rules.

The US tennis legend Pam Shriver has told the BBC that Novak Djokovic's continuing refusal to take a coronavirus vaccine is "terrible for tennis".

The 22-time doubles Grand Slam doubles champion told 5 Live Breakfast that while it was good to hear Djokovic's rationale for his refusal to take the jab, and noted that we must be "understanding" of those who are reluctant to take the jab, she said the interview also raised several questions.

“Will he really truly have an open mind to have a vaccine at a later date?”, Shriver asked.

“I hope that the right trusted person, who is an expert in science and medicine, probably would have to be a Serbian, can sit him down and show him, and walk him through all of the steps that make the science and the medicine trustworthy and safe to put in his body.”

“Because it’s terrible for tennis, not good for him – and, really, he does lead. The fact that he doesn’t trust it, it does lead a lot of people, in his own country and throughout the world.”

Image source, Getty Images

In the interview Djokovic says he should not be associated with the anti-vax movement, but instead supports an individual's right to choose to have a jab.

While many support the tennis star's right to choose, medical experts stress the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks for the vast majority of people, and any vaccine will have to pass rigorous safety tests before being rolled out to the wider population.

So what are the risks of having a Covid jab and how are vaccines approved for use? Read more here.

Image source, Getty

There is unlikely to be any bar on Novak Djokovic playing at Wimbledon according to Tim Henman, who is on the committee of the All England Club who organise the tournament.

"I don’t think so," Henman told BBC Radio 4 when asked if he foresaw any issue with Djokovic playing at this year's Wimbledon in June.

"To get into the UK at the moment, those are the guidelines the Championship will be following at this stage.

"At this moment in time it is going to be government-led."

Current rules require visitors to England to be tested before and after arrival and to complete a whereabouts form, but not to quarantine or be vaccinated.

Djokovic has told the BBC that he would skip Wimbledon if the tournament insisted all players must be vaccinated.

Image source, Getty

Six-time Grand Slam semi-finalist Tim Henman has been giving BBC Radio 4 his reaction to Novak Djokovic's interview.

"I do understand his concerns. I would reiterate it is absolutely his prerogative to have the vaccine or not. As a former player and a tennis fan, it was probably not what I wanted to hear in that interview, but probably what I expected. As he freely admitted, he is going to be severely restricted as to where he can travel to and therefore play without being vaccinated.

"By taking himself out of the chance to compete in Grand Slams he is certainly jeopardizing his chances of being the greatest male player of all time and I think that speaks volumes to his courage, conviction and belief that this is what is best for him.

"You would have thought that very little is going to sway his opinion."

For almost two weeks last month the world was gripped by the unfolding drama of Novak Djokovic's battle with Australian authorities.

If you need a reminder, here is a quick refresher of how the saga played out:

• 16 December 2021: Djokovic attends a panel discussion and a ceremony for the unveiling of a stamp in his honour in Belgrade. He tests positive for Covid-19 the same day, but claims he wasn't notified until the following day
• 17 December: Djokovic attends a tennis event in Belgrade to present awards to children. It was after this event that Djokovic says he received notification that his PCR test was positive
• 18 December: At a tennis centre in Belgrade, Djokovic gives an interview to French newspaper L'Equipe. He does not tell the reporters that he has Covid-19. Djokovic says he cancelled then all other events and isolated for the required period
• 4 January 2022: After months of speculation, the world number one announces he has been granted a medical exemption to Australia's vaccine mandate
• 5 January: The Serb arrives in Australia and is detained by Border Force officers at Melbourne Airport, where he is held for 10 hours. His visa is cancelled after officials determined that a previous Covid infection does not qualify for an exemption and he is transferred to an immigration facility
• 10 January: At an appeal hearing, Djokovic's deportation order is quashed, but the Australian government says it could still use ministerial power to deport him.
• 14 January: Immigration Minister Alex Hawke orders Djokovic's deportation. He argues "it was in the public interest to do so" as Djokovic could inflame anti-vaccination sentiment.
• 16 January: The 20-time major winner loses his appeal against the order and is deported from the country

Ralph Rogers, a sports medicine consultant who was in a Covid bubble with the NBA basketball league in the United States, has been talking to BBC Radio 4 about Djokovic's stance on vaccination.

"If those are his convictions, then those are his convictions," says Rogers.

"He has a choice and then, based on that choice, other people have a choice not to allow him to play. So I think it is quite simple.

"As he said point blank, he is not an anti-vaxxer. His mind is open, and he is looking for a solution. So maybe his facts are incorrect, I think his facts are incorrect, but I hope he comes to the right conclusion in the future.

"He is a great competitor a great tennis player and we would like to see him play."

Image source, Getty Images

Novak Djokovic says he remains open to the possibility of taking a Covid vaccination, if he can be convinced that it is the right choice for him.

"I keep my mind open, there is always the possibility that things will change in the future," he told the BBC's Amol Rajan.

"As of today, this is my decision and stance for it and I will suffer the consequences of not travelling to the tournaments, but hopefully things will be able to change in the future. We will see what happens."

Former Daily Telegraph chief sports writer Paul Hayward says he believes a Djokovic-less Wimbledon is a price most people would be willing to pay for effective anti-Covid restrictions.