Protesters gather outside US Open to call for an end to vaccine travel mandates

Several protesters gathered outside the U.S. Open stadium in Flushing Meadows in Queens, New York, on Monday to protest against vaccine travel restrictions that prevented 21-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic from participating in the tournament.

A group of protesters gathered outside the U.S. Open entry gates at Flushing Meadows in Queens, New York, on Monday to call for an end to vaccine mandates for travelers after 21-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, who is unvaccinated against COVID-19, announced last week that he would not be able to participate in the tournament.

Demonstrators greeted U.S. Open goers with signs that read "End the travel mandate now!" and "Novak’s body, Novak’s Choice!" 

Tennis fans move in and out of Arthur Ashe Stadium during the fourth round of the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York on Sept. 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

Members of Families are Essential and Children’s Health Defense and Teachers for Choice were among the demonstrators.

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Djokovic announced on social media that he would not be traveling to New York as a result of travel restrictions that prevent any non-U.S. citizens from entering the country without having received the COVID-19 vaccine.

"Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open," the Serbian tennis pro wrote on Twitter. "Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support."

Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic returns the ball during an exhibition match in Visoko, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on July 13, 2022. (Nedim Grabovica/Xinhua via Getty Images)

"Good luck to my fellow players! I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit