SEEING a long-time rival succeed can drive change, and Rafael Nadal's triumph at the Australian Open appears to have been the push that was needed to convince Novak Djokovic to get immunised against COVID-19.
The Serbian superstar had been a hot favourite to claim a 21st Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park, when he announced he had received an exemption to travel to Australia in Jan.
However, it was Nadal who secured the title, nudging one Grand Slam win ahead of Djokovic, with the unvaccinated Serb being forced to leave the country before a ball was served in anger.
With the French Government announcing it will follow Australia's lead in banning unvaccinated players ahead of the French Open, Djokovic is reportedly ready to get vaccinated, his biographer, Daniel Muksch, claims.
Welcoming Djokovic's reported change of heart, on breakfast TV this morning, Federal Health Minister, Greg Hunt, said the move may spur others on to get their shots, saying "that would be the real win out of all of this".
"I'm happy for anybody anywhere to be vaccinated, and if in some small way as a country we have encouraged Novak or any other individual to do that, then that's great," Hunt said.
"But you know what's much more important? I think that will encourage more people who have been hesitant to be vaccinated."
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 03 Feb 22
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 03 Feb 22
