Novak Djokovic allowed to compete at Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic was not able to protect his 2021 Australian Open crown following failing to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Despite all indications pointing to Djokovic nonetheless getting unvaccinated, it looks as if the 34-yr-old will be authorized to compete in this summer’s Wimbledon Grand Slam party and try to seize his fourth consecutive crown.

“The requirements set up do not incorporate mandatory vaccination,” All England Club (AELTC) CEO Sally Bolton explained at a push meeting on Tuesday, for each ESPN senior writer Tom Hamilton. “It will not be a ailment of entry for the championships this year.”

Hamilton’s report extra that Wimbledon competitors will also be authorized to book their possess lodging, alternatively than remaining with each other in the similar lodge like they did in 2021. Right before he performs at Wimbledon (beginning on June 20), Djokovic will try to protect his title in the 2022 French Open as well, which is scheduled to start out on Might 15.

Djokovic reported in February that he would choose out of future Grand Slam gatherings with COVID-19 vaccine mandates. The Serbian is set to be replaced as the No. 1 men’s singles player following slipping to Jiri Vesely in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships in February.

A 20-time Grand Slam party victor, Djokovic produced headlines very last 7 days when he criticized Wimbledon’s ban of Belarusian and Russian gamers, contacting the decision “insane”.