As expected, Novak Djokovic will not participate in the U.S. Open since he is not vaccinated against COVID-19 and cannot visit the United States
On August 25, 21-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic made the decision to skip the US Open in 2022. The Serb stated that he would not be able to travel to New York for the last Grand Slam of the season, which will begin on August 29.
Although he was on the official entry list, three-time New York champion Novak Djokovic was unable to go to the United States because of his lack of vaccinations. Notably, Djokovic was absent from the tune-up competitions that were held in the US.
After the Australian Open in 2022, this is the second Grand Slam that Djokovic will miss because of his refusal to take the Covid-19 vaccine.
“Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for the US Open. Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support,” Djokovic said in a statement on Twitter.
“Good luck to my fellow players! I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again. ???? See you soon tennis world!”
In accordance with current US regulations, visitors must present proof of complete vaccination before boarding planes or entering the country. Djokovic hasn’t participated in warm-up competitions in the US. Although the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently loosened some of its Covid limitations for unvaccinated US citizens, it has not yet changed the guidelines for unvaccinated foreign visitors.
It’s “very unfortunate,” according to Stacey Allaster, director of the US Open Tournament, that Djokovic won’t be able to visit America.
“Novak is a great champion and it is very unfortunate that he will be unable to compete at the 2022 US Open, as he is unable to enter the country due to the federal government’s vaccination policy for non-U.S.citizens. We look forward to welcoming Novak back at the 2024 US Open.”
The Covid-19 vaccine has been refused by Djokovic because he feels he should have choice over what he puts in his body. The Serb has also made it clear in the past that he is ready to give up competing in Grand Slam events to uphold his position on vaccination.
Notably, Djokovic’s withdrawal occurs just days after tennis great John McEnroe mocked him for missing the US Open because of his vaccination status.
“At this point, in the pandemic, we’re two-and-a-half years in, I think people in all parts of the world know more about it, and the idea that he can’t travel here to play, to me is a joke,” McEnroe had said.
In the men’s singles, the defending champion Daniil Medvedev, who defeated Novak Djokovic in the final last year, will be the top seed, followed by Rafael Nadal, who is in New York and aiming to win his third Grand Slam title of the year and raise his tally to 23.
