Novak Djokovic is undefendable his 2021 Australian Open championship after failing to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Despite all indications that Djokovic is still unvaccinated, it looks like the 34-year-old will be allowed to take part in this summer’s Wimbledon Grand Slam event and try to claim a fourth straight title.
“The established requirements do not include mandatory vaccinations,” England Club (AELTC) chief executive Sally Bolton said at a press conference on Tuesday, according to ESPN senior writer Tom Hamilton. “It will not be a condition to participate in this year’s championship.”
Hamilton’s report adds that the Wimbledon rivals will also be allowed to book their own accommodation, rather than staying together in the same hotel as they did in 2021. Before he competes at Wimbledon (starting) beginning on June 20), Djokovic will try to defend his title in the 2022 French Open as well, which is scheduled to begin on May 15.
Djokovic said in February that he will choose not to participate of future Grand Slam events with the COVID-19 vaccine mission. The Serbian will be replaced as the No. 1 men’s singles player later Falling down Jiri Vesely into the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships in February.
20-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic caused a stir last week when he criticized Wimbledon’s ban on Belarus and Russia players, called the decision “crazy”.
