Novak Djokovic was bidding to win his 22nd Grand Slam at the 2022 US Open. However, travel restrictions for non-vaccinated travellers in the USA have forced him to withdraw from the tournament.
In a piece of heart-breaking news for tennis fans, 21-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one, Novak Djokovic of Serbia, has pulled out of the US Open 2022. The reason is similar to the Australian Open earlier this year, as travel restrictions for non-vaccinated travellers make Djokovic ineligible to enter the United States of America (USA). While it was earlier reported that the US government was looking into its travel regulations, giving the Serbian a glimmer of hope, the new travel guidelines were no help to him. Thus, he will have to wait for a shot at his 22nd Slam title.
Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open. Thank you 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! 👋🏼
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole)Taking to Twitter, Djokovic wrote, “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!"
Politics win again. Sorry Champ https://t.co/TYGsL7v8Z8
— Mardy Fish (@MardyFish)ALSO SEE: US Open 2022 - Fans excited as Rafael Nadal gears up to lift off at Flushing Meadows
Not letting Novak Djokovic - the world's greatest tennis player - in because he's unvaccinated even while unvaccinated migrants pour in and the CDC acknowledges no difference is the kind of performative, double-standard nonsense that lost the public trust in the first place. 🤡
— Scott Morefield (@SKMorefield)The US Open also acknowledged Djokovic's withdrawal, stating, "Novak Djokovic withdrew from the 2022 US Open prior to the draw taking place this morning. The official seeding list is not determined until the draw is made. As the Qualifying Tournament has commenced, his withdrawal resulted in a lucky loser being included in the draw."
BREAKING NOW: Unvaxxed Novak Djokovic reveals he has been REFUSED ENTRY TO THE UNITED STATES and will not play in the US Open DESPITE CDC DECISION removing distinction between vaccinated and unvaccinated...
— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto)Commenting on the same, US Open Tournament Director Stacey Allaster said, "Novak is a great champion, and it is regrettable 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."