Tennis
Novak Djokovic Confirms He Won’t Be Competing at US Open
by privatebet.com - 2022/08/27
Many of the world’s leading tennis players are getting ready to compete at the US Open, but Novak Djokovic isn’t one of them. The three-time US Open champion confirmed he won’t take part in the upcoming tournament due to travel restrictions in the United States. Djokovic confirmed his exit from the Grand Slam on social media, after weeks of speculations about his participation due to his COVID-19 vaccination status. “Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open… 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!” tweeted Djokovic. The US Open doesn’t have its own vaccine mandate, but Djokovic will miss the event because the US Government does not allow unvaccinated non-US citizens to enter the country. Several tennis greats spoke against this decision, including his big rival Rafael Nadal, who said it’s “very sad news” to see him exit the tournament. This isn’t the first time that former no. 1 missed a Grand Slam due to his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Back in January, he was at the center of an international legal battle after trying to play at the Australian Open with a medical exemption, only to have his visa revoked by the government.