Novak Djokovic received a shot of good news: the world No. 1 will be able to defend his Wimbledon title this summer.

The All England Lawn Tennis Club will permit unvaccinated players to play the grass-court Grand Slam, which clears the way for the 34-year-old Serbian to play the 135th edition of Wimbledon.

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The top-seeded Djokovic defeated Italian Matteo Berrettini 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 in today's Wimbledon final capturing a record-tying 20th career Grand Slam championship with his 21st consecutive major and Wimbledon win. It was Djokovic's third straight Wimbledon crown and sixth overall.



Wimbledon officials offered more details on their decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from The Championships. Officials said they were concerned allowing Russians and Belarusians to play would "benefit the propaganda machine of the Russian regime" and they did not want to put players at risk.

"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," All England Club Chairman Ian Hewitt said. "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.

“We understand and deeply regret the impact this decision will have on every individual affected - and so many innocent people are suffering as a result of this terrible war. But, 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.”

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