Novak Djokovic's thoughtful keepsake for Marion Bartoli's daughter delights the former Wimbledon champion's husband
Marion Bartoli's husband, Yahya Boumediene, and their daughter, Kamilya, recently had the pleasure of meeting Novak Djokovic in Dubai. The World No. 1 presented the little girl with a stylish cap.
Yahya Boumediene, a Belgian footballer and the husband of former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli, has been a longtime supporter of Novak Djokovic. He has consistently shown his support for the Serb, even during the COVID-19 vaccination controversy.
Boumediene took to social media and said that Kamilya congratulated the 22-time Grand Slam champion on his Australian Open title. He also expressed his gratitude for the cap that the World No. 1 had gifted his daughter.
He wrote:
"Merci @djokernole for the cap. Kamilya congratulates the GOAT for his @australianopen title."
The Belgrade native joyfully reunited with Bartoli's daughter, Kamilya, upon his arrival in Dubai for the Dubai Tennis Championships. The Serb warmly embraced the toddler and presented her with a cap as a token of his affection.
Novak Djokovic likely to miss ATP 1000 event at Indian Wells and Miami
Novak Djokovic will likely miss out on the ATP 1000 events at Indian Wells and Miami due to not being vaccinated against COVID-19.
At a recent press conference, the World No. 1 commented on his request for an exemption to enter the United States, stating that it was out of his control but that he was eager to compete.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion went on to express that his fans were eager to see him play in the United States, and he is hopeful that the relevant authorities will come to the same conclusion in the near future.
Djokovic said:
"It depends on the situation, I'm waiting for an answer and it's not in my hands. We'll see how things unfold in the next two weeks. The process is ongoing and that's all I know."
He added:
"Of course, I'd like to play and I'm glad that I got support from the tournament director. People want me to go to America and play, and I want that, but I hope that the side that decides about it will also think so."
According to the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) regulations, non-U.S. citizens are required to be fully vaccinated to travel to the United States.
United States President Joe Biden has confirmed that the country’s state of national emergency for public health in response to COVID-19 will finally be lifted after May 10, 2023.
This deadline allows the Serb to make his US Open return in September. Due to his refusal to take the vaccine, however, the World No. 1 will have to withdraw from both ATP 1000 tournaments.