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While Dominika Cibulkova is far from the chaos in Melbourne, she hasn't escaped drama this month. The 31-year-old Slovakian is in hot water after getting the COVID-19 vaccine before she was eligible.

Cibulkova and her husband Michal Navara received vaccinations in Bratislava, prompting quick backlash. The former world No. 4 took to social media to explain and make a statement.

"I am very sorry that I was misled when I accompanied my close friend in the hospital and asked only informatively when it was time for us to come to the vaccinations," Cibulkova wrote."If I had any idea that I was making a serious mistake and that I was just not filling a vacancy in the advisory board, I would not take the opportunity to be vaccinated. I am very sorry for the situation in relation to all the people who are waiting for the vaccine.

"At the same time, however, I would like to urge people not to be afraid of vaccinations."

In the second half of her statement, she explained that had contacted the local ministry of health to find out how she could volunteer.

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Following the public criticism, she faced for cutting the vaccination queue, the former Slovak tennis player Dominika Cibulková is helping out at with the Covid-19 testing in Bratislava. (Source: TASR) pic.twitter.com/de6rBd8c5m
— Radio Slovakia Int. (@RSI_English) January 19, 2021

Soon after, photos of Cibulkova in full PPE surfaced as she helped out a medical center that is treating and testing patients.

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Cibulkova retired in 2019 after winning eight titles and reaching the final of the 2014 Australian Open.