Novak Djokovic will not feature at the US Open 2022 after US authorities refused to tone down their stringent entry conditions for people who have not received COVID vaccinations.
The Serbian superstar is enduring a rollercoaster year as far as the Grand Slam tournaments are concerned.
Djokovic was deported from Australia in January after travelling to Melbourne for the first major of the year. He was then allowed to take part in Wimbledon and went on to lift the iconic trophy once again.
However, the ATP stripped Wimbledon of ranking points this year due to the All England Club ban on Russian and Belarusian players from entering the tournament.
Djokovic has slid down the rankings since his Wimbledon victory, from undisputed world No. 1 to No. 6, and has missed numerous Stateside tournaments this year.
Why isn’t Novak Djokovic playing at the US Open 2022?
Djokovic had hoped that authorities would have relaxed their stance on unvaccinated foreigners entering the country, but this has not happened.
The country’s current COVID rules state that all foreigners must be fully vaccinated to be permitted entry.
Djokovic wrote on Twitter: “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!”
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