Novak Djokovic’s refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19 isn’t likely to prevent him defending his Wimbledon title later this year.
The world No.1 confirmed earlier this week that he is not vaccinated, stating that although he is not an anti-vaxxer, he is trying to be in tune with what he puts in his body.
Having been deported from Melbourne on the eve of last month’s Australian Open, Djokovic stated that he would be prepared to sit out other grand slam tournaments instead of getting the vaccine.
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However, former world No.4 Tim Henman, who is on the committee of the All England Club, which runs the Wimbledon tournament, says he expects Djokovic to be able to play in June.
Asked by BBC radio if Djokovic’s participation was in doubt, Henman cited UK travel guidelines that allow unvaccinated people to enter.
“I don’t think so,” he said.
“To get into the UK at the moment, those are the guidelines the Championship will be following at this stage.
“At this moment in time [the rules are] going to be government-led.”
Djokovic is a six-time Wimbledon champion, including the three most recent editions of the tournament, in 2018, 2019 and 2021. Wimbledon wasn’t played in 2020 due to the pandemic.
“I do understand his concerns,” Henman said.
“I would reiterate it is absolutely his prerogative to have the vaccine or not. As a former player and a tennis fan, it was probably not what I wanted to hear in that interview, but probably what I expected. As he freely admitted, he is going to be severely restricted as to where he can travel to and therefore play without being vaccinated.”
Djokovic is unlikely to be able to play two big events in the United States next month, Indian Wells and Miami, which could see Daniil Medvedev take over the No.1 ranking, while Rafael Nadal’s victory in Melbourne means the Serbian now trails in the race for the most major titles.
Non-US citizens must be vaccinated to enter the country, meaning Djokovic’s participation in the US Open later this year is in doubt.
“By taking himself out of the chance to compete in Grand Slams he is certainly jeopardising his chances of being the greatest male player of all time and I think that speaks volumes to his courage, conviction and belief that this is what is best for him,” Henman said.
“You would have thought that very little is going to sway his opinion.”
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