Novak Djokovic's decision to remain unvaccinated against COVID-19 means he will not play in the US Open.
Many had hoped to see Djokovic on the Flushing Meadows hard courts where he has hoisted the trophy three times and reached the final on six other occasions.Former world number one Novak Djokovic will miss the US Open after he said that he will not be able to travel to New York for the tournament, having chosen not to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
"Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open," Djokovic wrote 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 Serbian previously said he was prepared to miss Grand Slam tournaments that require participating players to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
"Novak is a great champion and it is very unfortunate that he will be unable to compete at the 2022 US Open, as he is unable to enter the country due to the federal government's vaccination policy for non-U.S. citizens," said U.S. Open tournament director Stacey Allaster in a statement.Many had hoped to see Djokovic on the Flushing Meadows hard courts where he has hoisted the trophy three times and reached the final on six other occasions.
Fans had also been circulating an online petition in the hope of gaining Djokovic entry into the U.S. while four-times U.S. Open winner John McEnroe had said it would be "a joke" if the Serb was unable to compete due to his COVID vaccination status.