John McEnroe: US ban on unvaxxed Novak Djokovic 'a joke'

John McEnroe has said it would be "a joke" if Novak Djokovic is unable to compete at the US Open later this month due to his Covid-19 vaccination status.

Djokovic is unvaccinated and appears set to miss out on the year's last grand slam event due to current US rules that require travellers to show proof of full vaccination to board flights to and enter the United States. The Serbian previously said he was prepared to miss tournaments that require participating players to be vaccinated against Covid-19. Djokovic remains on the entry list for the New York event. "I don't think it's fair," McEnroe said on Tuesday. "I think it's a joke.

"I would have had the vaccine and gone and played, but he's got very strong beliefs and you have to respect that.

"At this point in the pandemic, we're two-and-a-half years in, I think people in all parts of the world know more about it, and the idea that he can't travel here to play, to me is a joke." Djokovic was unable to defend his Australian Open crown this year after being deported from the country over his vaccination status in January. Rafael Nadal claimed victory in Melbourne to move clear of Djokovic and Roger Federer with his 21st major trophy. Nadal then went on to add another grand slam title to his tally at the French Open, keeping him ahead of Djokovic, who won Wimbledon last mont