“It’s up to the US government whether unvaccinated people are allowed into the country”
Before the start of Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic made it clear that he still did not want to be vaccinated. He sees the fact that the Serbian tennis pro will most likely miss the US Open as an additional motivation for Wimbledon.
Novak Djokovic does not want to be vaccinated against Corona. Now his training partner Marin Cilic has contracted the virus. The two worked out and hugged. Another favorite has been infected and has to leave the tournament.
Novak Djokovic took a clear stand before the start of Wimbledon. The Serb made it clear that he still does not want to be vaccinated against the corona virus. The tennis superstar is also ready to forego starting tournaments in the USA. That’s why he probably has to give up the US Open in August.
“I would very much like to fly to the States. But at the present time that is not possible. 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 allow unvaccinated people into the country,” said the 35-year-old.
In Great Britain, Djokovic is allowed to start as an unvaccinated person. The number one seeded Serb also solved his first-round task on Monday and defeated the South Korean Kwon Soon Woo after four sets with some effort. But the game may have been his last in this tournament on Wimbledon grass. Because his training partner Marin Cilic tested positive for the corona virus.
Djokovic (front) trained with Cilic on Center Court at Wimbledon on Thursday
Quelle: pa/empics/Steven Paston
Cilic announced the illness on his Instagram account: “I went into self-isolation and hoped to be ready. But I still don’t feel well and can’t compete. ”The Croatian had trained with Djokovic last Thursday. As a greeting, both hugged each other deeply and then stood close together. The two hugged each other to say goodbye.
Djokovic rules out corona vaccination for himself
If Djokovic continues to test negative for the corona virus, he will meet Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis in the second round on Wednesday.
The most important facts about Wimbledon
The oldest tennis tournament in the world is coming up. From June 27th to July 10th, the All England Club on London’s Church Road is all about the prestigious titles and trophies. The answers to the most important questions about Wimbledon.
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. When asked twice whether he had ruled out vaccination for himself, Djokovic answered twice before the start of the tournament in Wimbledon: “Yes.”
Favorite Berrettini is canceled due to Corona
In addition to Cilic, last year’s finalist Matteo Berrettini tested positive for the virus and had to withdraw before his first round game. He was “heartbroken,” wrote the 26-year-old Italian on Instagram. He has had cold symptoms for a few days and took a test in the morning, which was positive.
Berrettini had reached the final against Djokovic in 2021 and was one of the top favorites to win the title. Most recently, he had won the Wimbledon preparatory tournaments in Stuttgart and Queens. “I have no words to describe how extremely disappointed I am. The dream for this year is over, but I will come back stronger.” He will be replaced by Sweden’s Elias Ymer.
