Djokovic can play at Wimbledon

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic is expected to be free to play at Wimbledon this summer despite being the only unvaccinated player in the men’s top 100.

A spokesperson for the ATP, the governing body of the men’s tour, has told The Times that 99 per cent of this elite singles group are now fully jabbed. 

This leaves the world No 1 from Serbia as the only player to have refused all opportunities to receive a vaccine.

The ATP’s vaccination uptake rate has significantly increased over the past six months. In August ahead of the US Open, it sat at about 50 per cent. But the mandatory requirement to be jabbed for January’s Australian Open, barring a valid medical exemption, encouraged many players to come forward.

While Djokovic’s reluctance means that he will likely be unable to play some tournaments over the coming months, leaving him at risk of losing his world No 1 ranking, it is understood that he will be free to participate at Wimbledon.

The All England Club are yet to confirm arrangements for this year’s Championships, given that there are still four months to go before the grand-slam event starts on June 27, but sources believe it unlikely that any further requirements will be introduced beyond the government’s rules. As it stands, Djokovic can enter England providing that he takes a Covid-19 test before and after his arrival. Quarantine of up to ten days is only required if he returns a positive result.

Djokovic, 34, will return to competitive action at next week’s Dubai Championships, starting on Monday, as there are no restrictions on unvaccinated players entering the United Arab Emirates. But the loss of 2,000 points from his inability to defend his title at the Australian Open, after he was deported on “health and good order grounds”, means that he might be overtaken by Russia’s Daniil Medvedev at the top of the world rankings even if he wins the title.