Novak Djokovic allowed to compete in US Open as United States set to change COVID-19 travel policy

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Novak Djokovic was not able to play in last year’s U.S. Open due to COVID-19 policy, but that seems to have changed in 2023. 

Djokovic will be making his return to Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York, this summer, as the United States is set to lift their COVID-19 vaccination requirement for international travelers.

The mandate is expected to end on May 11. 

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Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic attends a training session in Belgrade on Feb. 22, 2023.  (ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP via Getty Images)

"Novak Djokovic is a great champion, a fan favorite, and now that the federal government has lifted its vaccine requirements for international travelers, we look forward to welcoming him back to New York for the 2023 U.S. Open," United States Tennis Association spokesman Chris Widmaier told the AP. 

Djokovic, who is unvaccinated, was previously denied an exemption when he tried to compete in the Miami Open in March. 

In February, he also applied for special permission to enter the U.S. to play in tournaments due to his vaccination status. While he was denied the special permission as well, some politicians believed Djokovic should be allowed in the country. 

NOVAK DJOKOVIC DENIED COVID-19 VACCINE EXEMPTION, WILL NOT COMPETE AT MIAMI OPEN

In a letter obtained by Fox News Digital earlier this year, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged President Biden to "put pandemic politics aside and give the American people what they want – let him play." DeSantis wrote that Djokovic’s denial to enter the U.S. is unfair, unscientific and unacceptable."

Djokovic is one of the premier tennis players in the