Novak Djokovic refuses to get vaccinated and he must realise this stance, whether he likes it or not, will give a platform to the anti-vaxxers.

He is presenting his approach as being 'pro-choice' in terms of supporting the right of individuals to make up their own minds about what happens to their body.

Some Djokovic fans will have admiration for the Serbian's bravery, principle, and certainty but, as a tennis fan, this wasn't the news I wanted to hear.

Watching the best players in any sport is what we love. This is the reason we are willing to pay hundreds of pounds to see a genius like Djokovic his pile-driving best.

The tennis star clearly believes not accepting vaccination himself is far more important than winning grand slams. But the decision to turn his back on the glory of victory will bring with it financial and reputational damage.

Eyes will now turn to whether Djokovic will compete in the French Open and then Wimbledon.

The French President has made it clear "Unvaccinated Djokovic cannot compete in the French Open". However, we are still to hear from Boris Johnson on the issue.

Certainly, Covid rules and protections are being removed in Britain more quickly than anywhere else. As a result, Djokovic may find there is no legal block to him competing in SW19 when the tournament begins in June.

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The Serbian is set to return in action at the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships which starts on February 21. In this instance, the UAE has declared players don't have to be vaccinated to compete.

However, his participation in a number of other events, such as Indian Wells, Miami, and Florida, are in question. A failures to take to the court, for whatever reason, could see him lose the coveted world number one ranking.

This perhaps is good news to Rafael Nadal who won his 21st Grand Slam at the Australian Open and – as a result - he might fairly claim to be the greatest tennis player ever.

In sports, players want to be remembered for their greatness. Bruce Lee once famously said: "If you love life, don't waste time, for time is what life is made up of."

While Djokovic, at the age of 34, appears to be wasting his time, this could well be Nadal's year.