- Novak Djokovic said earlier this year that if it would be a must for him to be vaccinated to play, then he’d rather miss the tournaments
- Djokovic had to miss the Australian Open in January because he refused to be vaccinated against COVID-19
- Despite his lack of competitive action, Barry Cowan Djokovic will be the favourite to win his seventh Wimbledon title later this summer
Wimbledon organizers have announced that players who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 will be allowed to compete in this year’s tournament, allowing Novak Djokovic to compete.
World No. 1 missed the Australian Open in January because he refused to be vaccinated against Covid-19, and the Australian government deported him after revoking his visa.
Novak Djokovic playing at the French Open in the past. Photo/Sporting news
Djokovic stated earlier this year that if he were required to be vaccinated, he would be willing to skip tournaments. Still, Wimbledon officials confirmed on Tuesday that the Serb would be able to compete without having to do so.
“The requirements set by the government to enter the UK do not include mandatory vaccination.
“so while it is of course encouraged, it will not be a condition of entry to compete at the Championships this year,” said Sally Bolton chief executive of the All England Club.
Novak Djokovic will now be able to defend his Wimbledon title this summer, having won the tournament for the sixth time after defeating Italy’s Matteo Berrettini in the final last year.
With most countries relaxing their anti-virus policies, Djokovic should be able to play a full schedule through the clay and grass-court seasons, though he is still unable to enter the United States.
Covid-related restrictions lifted
Last year’s Covid-related restrictions, which included reduced crowds for the majority of the tournament and strict player conditions, will be lifted.
Bolton said: “We plan to return to a normal Championships this year. And so, we don’t intend to implement any of the Covid-19 measures that we saw last year in any substantial fashion.
“But we are, of course, keeping it on our radar if we need to take further action when we continue to engage with DCMS, public health officials, and other sports.
Novak Djokovic missed the Australian Open because he refused to be vaccinated against Covid-19. Photo/Foreign Policy
“But this means that players will be able to return to their own choice of accommodation. We will see full capacity crowds for the whole event. And we’re thrilled to welcome back the wider tennis family to Wimbledon this year.”
These Championships take place this summer from 27 June to 10 July.
Despite his lack of competitive action, tennis commentator Barry Cowan believes Djokovic will be the favourite to win his seventh Wimbledon title later this summer.
“I think any tournament need Djokovic, any tournament need (Rafael) Nadal, any tournament needs (Roger) Federer, any tournament needs Serena Williams,” he told Sky Sports.
“Let’s hope to have a great, positive story at Wimbledon with these players. We’ve seen Novak play some great matches in the past and last year. What he achieved again was remarkable, and he is undercooked at the moment.
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