Tennis pro Novak Djokovic’s ineligibility to compete non the competition due to his vaccination status has been confirmed by the U.S. Open. The current Wimbledon winner has declared that he is not immunized against COVID-19.
Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic were among the participants on the entry lists for the men’s and women’s singles events at the U.S. Open, which were released on Wednesday. According to the tournament’s organizers, “based on ranking 42 days previous to the first Monday of the event, all qualifying players are automatically accepted into the men’s and women’s singles main-draw field.” The competition starts on August 29.
While the U.S. Open does not have a vaccine mandate for players, organizers said in a statement that it will “respect the U.S. government’s position regarding travel into the country for unvaccinated non-U.S. citizens.”
Non-citizens must currently have a complete COVID vaccination in order to enter the United States. Without meeting specific requirements, a person is not permitted to board an aircraft to the United States. There hasn’t been any indication, though, that Djokovic will qualify for any of the exemptions.
This month, Djokovic, 35, won Wimbledon, earning his 21st Grand Slam victory. He is one behind Rafael Nadal, who has 22, for the most wins in men’s tennis history. After winning at the All-England Club, the Serbian tennis player admitted that his desire to compete in New York City was dwindling.
On July 16, he stated, “I think things will change for the Australian Open.”
“There isn’t much time left for the U.S. Open, but hope endures. Although the U.S. Open and Australia Open are events I would like to compete in, it would not be the end of the world if I did not.”
The most recent statement from the U.S. Open has virtually crushed those expectations, and participation in the Australian Open in 2019 is uncertain. Due of his immunization status, Djokovic was notably unable to compete in this year’s Australian Open. He ultimately lost his legal battle to remain in the country and was deported.