Wimbledon organisers have confirmed COVID-19 vaccination will not be mandatory for players at this year's tournament, allowing world number one Novak Djokovic the chance to defend his title.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) said for the 135th staging of Wimbledon, which starts on June 27, UK Government regulations do not require players to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
"Whilst of course it is encouraged, it will not be a condition of entry to compete at the championships this year," chief executive Sally Bolton said.
The AELTC also confirmed there will be no COVID-19 measures in place at the 2022 tournament and players will be allowed to stay in their own private accommodation.
34-year-old Djokovic, a 20-time major champion, was denied a chance to defend his Australian Open title in January due to his unvaccinated status.
The Serbian — who has claimed to have had COVID-19 twice, once in 2020 and again in 2021 — has won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, tied with Switzerland's Roger Federer for the second-most singles titles ever won by a male player.
They trail Rafael Nadal, who won his 21st singles title at this year's Australian Open.
Djokovic confirmed he was unvaccinated during an interview with the BBC in February.
After losing his legal battle in Australia, Djokovic said he would be willing to sit out other Grand Slam tournaments if getting vaccinated was a requirement to compete.
He has since played at tournaments such as the Dubai Championship in the United Arab Emirates and the Monte Carlo Masters in France, but was unable to enter the US to play at Indian Wells or in the Miami Open.
The US Tennis Association has said it will follow whatever governmental rules are in place regarding COVID-19 vaccination status when the US Open is held starting in late August.
Last month French Open organisers said Djokovic will be able to play at Roland-Garros when the tournament begins on May 22.
The Italian Open has also said Djokovic can play there next month.
Wimbledon defends banning Russian, Belarusian players
The AELTC has defended its decision to ban players from Russia and Belarus from this year's event over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, saying it had taken into account guidance from the UK Government about limiting Russia's influence.
"After careful consideration against a variety of factors, we came to two firm conclusions that have formed the basis for our decision," said AELTC Chairman Ian Hewitt.
"First, even if we were to accept entries from Russian and Belarusian players with written declarations, we would risk their success or participation at Wimbledon being used to benefit the propaganda machine of the Russian regime — which we could not accept.
"Second, we have a duty to ensure that no actions we take should put the safety or welfare of players, or their families, at risk."
Mr Hewitt said the AELTC understood and regretted the impact the decision would have on affected players, but added that organisers were "bound to act".
"We believe we have made the most responsible decision possible in the circumstances, and there is no viable alternative within the framework of the government's position to the decision we have taken in this truly exceptional and tragic situation," he said.
ABC/wires
