Djokovic has no regrets about missing Slams due to unvaccinated status

Novak Djokovic missed two of this year's four Grand Slams due to not being vaccinated against the novel coronavirus but the Serbian said he has no regrets about his decision.

Djokovic won the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon titles in 2021 but was unable to defend his Melbourne Park crown this year after being deported on the eve of the hardcourt major due to his unvaccinated status.

The 35-year-old Serb, who has won 21 Grand Slam titles, was also unable to travel to New York for the US Open.

Djokovic has not played since winning Wimbledon in July after he was forced to sit out the ATP Tour's North American hardcourt swing due to his unvaccinated status.

"No, I don't have any regrets," Djokovic told reporters on Thursday on the eve of the Laver Cup in London. "I mean, I do feel sad that I wasn't able to play, but, you know, that was decision that I made.

"I knew what the consequences will be, so I accepted them. That's it."

Djokovic received a three-year travel ban for Australia when he was deported, but then Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it could be waived to allow him to participate in later editions of the major.

"I'm waiting for the news," the former world number one added. "It's really not in my hands right now. I'm hoping I can get some positive news soon."

More from Sports News

  • PSG overwhelm Atalanta 4-0 in Champions League opener

    Paris St Germain picked up where they left off following last season’s Champions League triumph as they kicked off their new campaign with an impressive 4-0 win over Atalanta at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.

  • Liverpool edge Atletico Madrid 3-2 with last-gasp Van Dijk goal

    Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk headed home a last-gasp goal in stoppage time to lead Arne Slot's men to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in the opening game of their Champions League campaign on Wednesday at Anfield.

  • Pakistan nearly pull out of Asia Cup in objection to referee

    Pakistan delayed their match against the UAE by an hour on Wednesday after considering a withdrawal from the Asia Cup in protest at a match referee whom they say condoned unsportsmanlike behaviour by India at the weekend.

  • Benfica to hire Mourinho as new manager

    Portuguese club Benfica are set to name Jose Mourinho as its head coach following the sacking of Bruno Lage in the aftermath of their 3-2 Champions League defeat by Qarabag, Portuguese TV station RTP reported on Wednesday.

Blogs