Wimbledon: Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic is hoping that American Covid-19 entry rules will be changed in time for him to compete for a fourth US Open title later this summer.
Djokovic, who defeated Nick Kyrgios in four sets to win Wimbledon for the fourth time in a row – and seventh time overall – on Sunday, has consistently refused Covid vaccination.
After a lengthy standoff with Australian authorities, the 35-year-stance old’s cost him the opportunity to compete at the Australian Open earlier this year – but he hopes it will be a different story when the Flushing Meadows tournament begins in August.
“I’m not vaccinated and I’m not planning to get vaccinated,” said Djokovic. “So the only good news I can have is them removing the mandated green vaccine card or whatever you call it to enter the United States or exemption.
“I don’t know, I don’t think the exemption is realistically possible. If that is a possibility, I don’t know what exemption would be about.
“I don’t have many answers there. I think it’s just whether or not they remove this in time for me to get to the USA.
“Whether or not I’m playing any tournament soon, I’ll definitely be resting for the next couple of weeks because it has been quite an exhausting and demanding period for me.
“Then I’ll wait hopefully for some good news from USA because I would really love to go there.”
Djokovic, who became only the fourth man in Open Era history to win four Wimbledon titles in a row, admitted his victory over Kyrgios provided a sense of relief, especially after his lengthy deportation from Australia.
“Wimbledon historically has always come at such important stages of my life and my career,” he added. “It was in 2018 when I was starting the year with elbow surgery, trying to work my way back in the rankings, not playing well.
“It’s not a coincidence that this place has such relevance in my life and career. It’s a relief, as well, considering what I’ve been through this year – of course, it adds more value and more significance and more emotions.
“I’ve said it many times, this tournament is extra special for me because it has been the first tournament I ever watched as a kid that got me to start playing tennis.
“The more you win, it’s logical the more confident, the more comfortable you feel next time you step out on the court. So the run keeps going and I feel very connected with this court and this tournament, without a doubt.”
Djokovic’s coach, Goran Ivanisevic, who reached four Wimbledon finals and won the tournament in 2001, said he was always confident the top seed would recover from his Australian Open disappointment.
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