New York, United States of America (USA)- 21 Grand Slam title holder, Novak Djokovic, has confirmed that he will not be participating in the US Open which begins on Monday.
The 35-year-old Serb’s absence at the tourney is primarily due to him not having been vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support. Good luck to my fellow players! I will keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again. See you soon tennis world,” said Djokovic on his Twitter page.
Stacey Allaster, the US Open tournament director, also confirmed that Djokovic won’t be participating at the US Open.
“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-US citizens. We look forward to welcoming Novak back at the 2023 US Open,” said Allaster.
The US has lifted many of the restrictions related to COVID-19 and travel. However, unvaccinated foreigners are still not allowed to enter the country. Djokovic, who has had COVID-19 at least twice, has been steadfast in his refusal to get vaccinated, arguing that it should be a personal decision rather than a requirement.
Djokovic’s refusal to be vaccinated set off a political firestorm in January when he announced he had received a special exemption to enter Australia to play in the Australian Open, the first tennis major of the year.
Djokovic ultimately left the country without defending his singles title there, after a twist-filled saga ended with a ruling by a three-Judge panel that affirmed the Australian government’s decision to cancel the star athlete’s visa.
However, Djokovic was able to play in the French Open and Wimbledon after France and England relaxed their requirements that visitors be vaccinated. Still, as he sat next to his Wimbledon trophy in July after winning his 21st Grand Slam title, Djokovic said it appeared unlikely that he would play in the US Open because he had no plans to get vaccinated and did not anticipate the US government changing its rules.
His absence may benefit Spain’s Rafael Nadal, who is seeking a 23rd Grand Slam title, with world number one Daniil Medvedev, of Russia, looking to defend the title he won for the first time in 2021.
