UNITED STATES: Former world number one Novak Djokovic will miss the US Open after he said on Thursday he would not be able to travel to New York for the tournament because he had decided not to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Current rules require travellers to show proof of full vaccinations when boarding and entering the United States.
“Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY for the US Open this time,” Djokovic wrote on Twitter. “Good luck to my teammates! I will keep myself in good shape and positive spirit and wait for the opportunity to compete again,” said Djokovic.
The Serb previously said he was prepared to skip Grand Slam tournaments, which require participating players to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Djokovic was on the entry list for August 29 to September 11 tournament in New York. The 35-year-old was also unable to defend his Australian Open crown earlier this year after being deported from the country due to his vaccination status.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) called Djokovic’s absence “unfortunate” but looked forward to his return to Flushing Meadows next year.
“Novak is a great champion and it is very unfortunate that he will not be able to compete in the 2022 US Open because he cannot enter the country due to the federal government’s vaccination policy for non-US citizens,” the US Open said. director Stacey Allaster in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming Novak back to the 2023 US Open.”
Many hoped to see Djokovic on the hard courts at Flushing Meadows, where he has lifted the trophy three times and reached the final six times.
The hashtag #LetNovakPlay circulated on social media as Djokovic’s fans showed their support for the player, who moved within one of Spaniard Rafa Nadal’s record 22 Grand Slam titles after his Wimbledon triumph last month.
Fans also circulated an online petition in the hope of getting Djokovic entry to the US, while four-time US Open winner John McEnroe said it would be a “joke” if the Serb could not compete due to his COVID-19 vaccination status.
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