Breaking: Djokovic, other unvaccinated players to compete at Wimbledon

Wimbledon organisers have said players unvaccinated against Covid-19 will be allowed to play in this year’s tournament, clearing the way for Novak Djokovic to compete.

The world No 1 missed the Australian Open in January due to his decision not to be vaccinated against Covid-19, with the Australian government deporting Djokovic after revoking his visa.

Djokovic said earlier this year he would be willing to skip tournaments if he was required to be vaccinated, although Wimbledon officials confirmed on Tuesday the Serb will be able to compete without having to do so.

According to CEO of All England Lawns Tennis Club CEO Sally Bolton, the requirements set up by the government to enter the U.K. do not include mandatory vaccination.

Bolton added that there are no plans on implementing any COVID-19 restrictions and full capacity crowds will be welcomed back to watch the tournament. However, organizers continue to engage with local health officials to monitor the situation as it pertains to the virus to determine whether it is appropriate for health and safety measures to be implemented.

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The vaccine decision opens the door to Novak Djokovic to play in the tournament and defend his title after he previously expressed his opposition to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

With most nations relaxing their rules around the virus, Djokovic should be free to play a full schedule through the clay and grass-court stretches, although he is currently still unable to enter the USA.

Last year’s Covid-related restrictions, which included reduced crowds for most of the tournament and strict conditions imposed on the players, will all be lifted.

Bolton said: “We are planning 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 in case we need to take further action when we continue to engage with DCMS, public health officials and with other sports.

“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 absolutely thrilled to welcome back the wider tennis family to Wimbledon this year.”