Novak Djokovic Appears Likely To Miss US Open

Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic appears likely to miss the US Open and other North American hardcourt tournaments due to a sudden change in COVID-19 protocols in the United States (US) and Canada.

Djokovic has refused to take the COVID-19 vaccine, but the 21-time Grand Slam winner remains on the entry lists for the ATP 1000 events in Montreal and Cincinnati, which serve as tune-up events for the August 29th – 11th September US Open in New York.

An online petition was launched a month ago calling for the United States Tennis Association to work with the US government to allow Djokovic compete in the US Open, and was edging closer to its target of 50,000 signatures.

However, in the case of the US Open which does not have a vaccine mandate, organisers previously said that per the Grand Slam Rule Book, all eligible players are entered into the main draw based on their ranking 42 days prior to the first Monday of the event.

US Open organisers also said that while they do not have a vaccination mandate in place for players, they will respect the US government’s position regarding travel into the country for unvaccinated non-US citizens.

• Read more: Petition For Djokovic’s US Open Participation Reaches 12,000 Signatures

The focus on Djokovic’s status ahead of a Grand Slam is far from new as he was unable to defend his Australian Open crown this year after being deported from the country over his vaccination status in January.

Djokovic has previously said he was prepared to miss Grand Slam tournaments rather than take the COVID-19 vaccine.

Chidi Nwoke/Reuters.