The tennis pro Novak Djokovic sticks to his categorical "No!" for vaccination against the corona virus. The Serbs face significant consequences for this, which also endanger his major career goal. But Djokovic draws "extra motivation" from it, as he says.
Tennis star Novak Djokovic does not want to be vaccinated against the corona virus even if the entry ban to the USA continues and would therefore also forego the US Open. "I would very much like to fly to the States. But that's not possible at the moment," said the 35-year-old Serb before the start of the grass classic in Wimbledon (June 27 - July 10). "There's not much more I can do. It's really up to the US government to make a decision on whether or not to let unvaccinated people into the country." When asked twice whether he had ruled out vaccination for himself, Djokovic replied twice: "Yes."
Most recently, the obligation to test before entering the USA was overturned, but with a few exceptions, vaccination against the corona virus is still a prerequisite for entering the country. Djokovic was expelled from the country shortly before the start of the Australian Open at the beginning of the year due to the lack of vaccination and was therefore unable to defend his title in Melbourne. He was also unable to start at the tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami.
The fact that he probably won't be able to take part in the US Open, which begins on August 29, is "an extra motivation" for Wimbledon, said the six-time winner. With the absence of Russian Daniil Medvedev and injured Alexander Zverev, Djokovic is number one. And even if Djokovic did not play a single match on grass in preparation for the most important tournament of the tennis year, he is considered the top favorite to win the tournament in south-west London. It would be his 21st Grand Slam title and an important step on the way to a big, offensive career goal: Djokovic wants to be the player with the most wins in the four Grand Slam tournaments at the end of his career. Rafael Nadal is currently leading this race. The Spaniard recently won his 22nd Grand Slam tournament at the French Open.
