Tennis: Novak Djokovic Set To Miss US Open Tournament
Tennis legend Novak Djokovic will miss the US Open tournament, as his refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine makes him ineligible to travel to New York for the Grand Slam event.
Current rules require travellers to show proof of full vaccination to board flights to enter the United States.
Djokovic previously said he was prepared to miss Grand Slam tournaments that require participating players to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open,” Djokovic wrote 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.”
Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open. Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support. ❤️ 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! 👋🏼
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 25, 2022
Djokovic, 35, was also unable to defend his Australian Open crown this year after being deported from the country over his vaccination status.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) described Djokovic’s absence as “unfortunate” but looked forward to having him back at Flushing Meadows next year.
“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,” said US Open tournament director Stacey Allaster in a statement.
“We look forward to welcoming Novak back at the 2023 US Open.”
Many had hoped to see Djokovic on the Flushing Meadows hard courts where he has won the trophy three times, and reached the final on six other occasions.
Djokovic moved to within one of Spaniard Rafael Nadal’s record of 22 Grand Slam titles after his Wimbledon triumph last month.
Fans had also been circulating an online petition in the hope of gaining Djokovic entry into the US, while four-time US Open winner John McEnroe had said it would be “a joke” if the Serb was unable to compete due to his COVID-19 vaccination status.
Chidi Nwoke/Reuters.
