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Serbian Novak Djokovic announced Thursday that he would not participate in the upcoming US Open, unable to access the country for not complying with the coronavirus vaccination requirement imposed by the federal government.
“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. See you soon tennis world!“, he wrote on Twitter.
Djokovic, a three-time champion in New York and finalist last year, has been unable to play the 2022 American tour, both in the opening and this season finale, because he decided not to get vaccinated.
The Serb, winner of 21 majors, also missed the last Australian Open for the same reason.
U.S. regulations require non-U.S. citizens and non-residents to present proof of vaccination at immigration control. Djokovic waited until the last moment hoping that the government would modify these restrictions.
However, a few hours before the main draw, the Serbian officialize his resignation from his second ‘big one’ of the season. This year he was only able to participate in Roland Garros and Wimbledon, where he was champion.
“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-US citizens. We look forward to welcoming Novak back at the 2023 US Open”, said Stacey Allaster, tournament director, in a statement provided by the organization.
Last Monday, the U.S. Open published a poster to promote the start of the tournament that includes eight stars, with Spaniards Rafa Nada and Carlos Alcaraz, but without Djokovic, a sign that the tournament itself was not confident in his possible involvement.
The Serb missed the Australian Open earlier this year and has not participated in the American tour, both at the beginning of the campaign, in Indian Wells and Miami, and this summer, in Washington, Montreal and Cincinnati.
The U.S. Open does not require players to present vaccination certificates, but stressed that it will respect the decisions of the country’s government.
The next U.S. Open will be played from August 29 to September 11, with the Russian Daniil Medvedev, reigning champion, as world number one.
