Novak Djokovic out of US Open as Covid vaccine rules remain

Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he will not be competing at this year's US Open as he will not be allowed to enter the country due to Covid-19 vaccine rules.

Djokovic waited until just hours before the US Open draw before announcing his withdrawal from the tournament, in the hope that the US Government’s rules on unvaccinated foreigners being allowed to enter the country would be lifted in time for him to compete.

But with the border regulations still in place and Djokovic remaining opposed to receiving the vaccine, the 35-year-old will miss his second Grand Slam tournament of the season.

The 21-time Slam winner was denied the chance to defend his Australian Open at the start of the year after Djokovic’s visa was cancelled due to his refusal to have the Covid vaccine.

He has also sat out four significant tournaments in North America in 2022, including in Montreal and Cincinnati recently.

“Sadly, I will not be able to travel to New York this time for the US Open,” Djokovic, who has won three times in New York and finished runner-up on six occasions, posted on Twitter. “Good luck to my fellow players! I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again.”

The Wimbledon champion said after his SW19 success in July that he was waiting “hopefully for some good news from USA”.

Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open. Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support. ❤️ Good luck to my fellow players! I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again.