20-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has confirmed he does not plan on getting vaccinated even though it likely means he won’t have a chance to compete at the US Open. On Saturday, Djokovic held his pre-tournament press conference at Wimbledon.
One of the questions Djokovic received was if he had “completely closed his mind” to the idea of taking the jab. “Yes,” Djokovic answered. “As of today I’m not allowed to enter the States under these circumstances.
Yes, of course, I’m aware of that. That is an extra motivation to do well here [at Wimbledon]. Hopefully I can have a very good tournament, as I have done in the last three editions. Then I’ll just have to wait and see.
I would love to go to the States. But as of today, that’s not possible. There is not much I can do any more. I mean, it’s really up to the US government to make a decision whether or not they allow unvaccinated people to go into the country”.
Djokovic likely to miss out on two Grand Slams in 2022
In early January, Djokovic flew to Australia after being granted a special exemption for the tournament. When Djokovic landed, his visa was revoked and he was placed in detention.
After 10 long days in Australia, Djokovic was deported and not given a chance to compete for a record 10th Australian Open title. When Djokovic addressed the Australia visa debacle for the first time, he confirmed he was not planning on taking the vaccine.
Four months later, Djokovic says nothing has changed as he remains firm in his beliefs. Djokovic now trails Rafael Nadal by two Grand Slams as the Spaniard owns a record 22 Majors after winning this year’s Australian Open and French Open. Djokovic is desperate to win Wimbledon and remain in the Grand Slam title race.
