After Rafael Nadal’s win at Australian Open, vaccine memes take over the internet

After Nadal emerged as the winner proving his mettle all over again, vaccine memes and jokes surged online bringing the focus back on his rival Djokovic, who was barred from playing the tournament because of Australia’s strict immunisation policy. Even though he even took the Australian government to court to state he had a valid medical exemption, the result was not in his favour.

“Rafa and Covid-19 true winners of 2022,” chimed one fan online. “Collateral effects of the vaccine,” wrote another, sharing a picture of Nadal celebrating his iconic moment. While some poked fun at Djokovic for missing out on a great opportunity, others, including the Pune Police used the epic moment to urge others to get jabbed.

Rafael Nadal becomes the first ever player to win 21 grand slams, moving ahead of Novak Djokovic on 20 🏆

Just another perk of getting vaccinated. pic.twitter.com/ZOOY5FMF5M

— Cameron Dick (@camerondickqld) January 30, 2022

Maybe vaccines have super power? Look at Rafa going strong. Get your shots today to unleash your inner Nadal!

— Nevin (@nevinthomas) January 30, 2022

Get Vaccinated today.#NOVACCineNoTrophy #RafaelNadal #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/bGPvBeAFjt

— PUNE POLICE (@PuneCityPolice) January 30, 2022

If someone is still not sure about the importance of vaccines, tell them that only a vaccinated person could become the first to win 21 grand slams#RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/00T921NPmq

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) January 30, 2022

Vaccines didn’t weaken Nadal 🤷‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/pG6MsMgmae

— MimiJ (@MimiJ9) January 30, 2022

Collateral effects of the #vaccine. #AustralianOpen #Nadal #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/sJWvYD8OSX

— Mauro Palermo (@mauropalermo) January 30, 2022

Nadal just definitively demonstrated that vaccines work. #AO2022

— Michele Drohan 🍸 (@shellsteak) January 30, 2022

in case you needed any more proof that the vaccines work – Rafael Nadal tested positive for COVID less than a month before the Australian Open started and was still well enough to win the whole tournament

— Ariel ✨ (@liitttlemermaid) January 30, 2022

Vaccines vs Antivaxxers:
Score is Eleventy billion vs Big Fat Zero#Nadal#Barty #Djokovic #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/aPsGt36IQp

— Je suis Untamed Grace. (@geeksrulz) January 31, 2022

Grande Nadal!! A great win for tennis and for those who take their vaccines! Following the rules pays off kids! #AusOpen #Nadal

— Orwelliano (@Orwelliano6) January 30, 2022

#Djokovic didn’t take the shots while #Nadal played the winning shot. Vaccine & racquet both win.

— Kaypius (@realkaypius) January 30, 2022

21 Grand Slam titles
2 vaccine shots
0 rackets smashed
0 times deported
0 umpires struck with the ball

ONE. RAFAEL. NADAL! #AusOpen

— Sullivan Noronha (@NoronhaSullivan) January 30, 2022

However, for the Spanish veteran, who repeatedly underplayed his chances of winning the title owing to the tumultuous 2021, his victory became extra special. From a career-threatening foot injury to contracting Covid-19, his road to victory on Sunday has given fans great inspiration.