Novak Djokovic says no regrets over vaccine stance after US Open: 'I knew what the consequences would be'

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Novak Djokovic’s inability to participate in the U.S. Open earlier this month due to his vaccination status isn’t something the 21-time Grand Slam champion regrets – even if it means more time between tournaments and a drop in rankings. 

Djokovic stood by his decision not to get vaccinated against COVID-19, during a press conference on Thursday ahead the Laver Cup in London, saying he had been well aware of the consequences.

Novak Djokovic of Team Europe looks on during Day One of the Laver Cup at The O2 Arena on September 23, 2022 in London, England.  (Luke Walker/Getty Images for Laver Cup)

"I don’t have any regrets. I mean, I do feel sad that I wasn’t able to play (at the U.S. Open), but that was a decision that I made, and I knew what the consequences would be," he said Thursday. "So I accepted them, and that’s it."

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Federal travel restrictions prevented Djokovic from entering the U.S. as non-citizens are required to be vaccinated against COVID in order to gain entry. 

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) provided a statement over the summer announcing that while the tournament does not have a vaccine mandate, it would adhere to federal policy.

"I’m not used to making, obviously in the last 15 to 20 years, longer breaks between the tournaments, but it is what it is," Djokovic added. "That’s kind of the situation I was in. I’m just excited to be able to play here now — and most of the other indoor (tournaments) for the rest of the season."

FILE - Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, wipes sweat off during a training session at the Mutua Madrid Open tennis