Novak Djokovic could be banned from Wimbledon as Slam refuses to offer Serb any guarantees

Wimbledon have refused to give Novak Djokovic any guarantees he will be allowed to play at SW19 this year after the world No 1 insisted he will not take part in any future Grand Slams if forced to vaccinate against covid.

Twenty-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic, 34, on Tuesday insisted: “That is the price I am willing to pay.”

Djokovic was deported when he tried to enter the country to play at the Australian Open last month, after initially being allowed in.

Rafael Nadal instead clinched his 21st Grand Slam at Djokovic’s expense to overtake both the Serb and Roger Federer.

He now faces the same situation for the French Open in May – with the country’s health minister saying athletes must be vaccinated, or recently recovered, to play.

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Wimbledon, despite there being no UK government rules on athletes requiring vaccines, said they were yet to finalise arrangements, but were in constant dialogue with the government.

Djokovic said: “I understand the consequences of my decision. Not being vaccinated, I am unable to travel to most of the tournaments at the moment. That is the price I’m willing to pay.

“Everybody has the right to choose whatever is appropriate for them.”

But the Serb, 34, insisted he is not part of the anti-vaxxer movement.

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But four-time former Wimbledon semi-finalist, and current All England Club committee member, Tim Henman offered hope to the Serb.

He said: “To get into the UK at the moment, those are the guidelines the Championships will be following. It is going to be government-led.

“By taking himself out of the chance to compete in Grand Slams he is jeopardising his chances of being the greatest male player of all time – and that speaks volumes to his courage, conviction and belief.”

Djokovic’s great rival Nadal edged ahead of him with his 21st Grand Slam win in Melbourne and is hoping for a 14th triumph at Roland Garros.