Former world number one Novak Djokovic has announced that he will not be able to travel to New York for the US Open due to his refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Travelers must currently show proof of full vaccination to board flights to and enter the United States.
“Unfortunately, I will not be able to travel to New York this time for the US Open,” Djokovic said on Twitter. “Good luck to my fellow competitors! I’ll stay in shape and stay positive while waiting for another chance to compete.”
The Serbian had previously stated that he was willing to miss Grand Slam tournaments that require participants to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Djokovic was entered in the August 29-September 11 tournaments in New York.
The 35-year-old was also unable to defend his Australian Open title earlier this year after being deported due to a lack of vaccinations.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) called Djokovic’s absence “unfortunate,” but said he would be back at Flushing Meadows next year.
“Novak is a great champion, and it is very unfortunate that he will be unable to compete at the 2022 US Open due to the federal government’s vaccination policy for non-US citizens,” said US Open tournament director Stacey Allaster in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming Novak back to the US Open in 2023.”
Many people expected to see Djokovic on the Flushing Meadows hard courts, where he has won the trophy three times and reached the final six times.
The hashtag #LetNovakPlay has been trending on social media as Djokovic’s fans expressed their support for a player who, with his Wimbledon victory last month, moved within one of Spaniard Rafa Nadal’s record of 22 Grand Slam titles.
Fans had also circulated an online petition in the hopes of gaining Djokovic entry into the United States, while four-time US Open champion John McEnroe said it would be “a joke” if the Serb was unable to compete due to his COVID-19 vaccination status.
