After the adventures he experienced in Australia, many wondered if Novak Djokovic would be able to participate in the US Open, which is due to take place from August 29 to September 11. The American health authorities have decided: the champion is prohibited from entering the United States, because he is not vaccinated against Covid-19. While “Djoko” won his 21st Grand Slam at Wimbledon in July (one more than Federer and one less than Nadal), this match was a golden opportunity for him to silence his detractors.
Unheard of in the history of tennis
Winner of the last Wimbledon, his 21e major, Novak Djokovic had trained for 35 weeks to hope to be able to participate in the last Grand Slam. “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to travel to New York this time for the US Open. Thanks to the #NoleFam for your messages of love and support. Good luck to my gaming friends! I will keep fit and positive, and wait for an opportunity to compete again. See you soon, world of tennis!”he communicated on Twitter, on August 25th.
Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open. Thank you #Don’tFam 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) August 25, 2022
It becomes almost customary to the fact; his choice not to be vaccinated had already deprived him of the Australian Open and the tournaments in Indian Wells, Miami, Montreal and Cincinnati. Unheard of in the history of tennis, as the Serbian player has only missed one major since 2005. Between 2017 and 2018, “Djoko” had missed competitions due to his elbow injury. This Monday, he will be absent from the US Open due to his incomplete vaccination schedule.
For the first time since the start of his career, Novak #Djokovic will miss two Grand Slam tournaments in the same season. Since his time with the pros, he had only missed one Major from 2005 to 2021: the 2017 US Open, for an elbow injury.
— Laurent Vergne (@LaurentVergne) August 25, 2022
A decision that is not “fair”
For Eurosport consultant John McEnroe, this decision under health cover is incomprehensible. According to Eurosport, he laments: “I don’t think that’s fair. I think it’s a joke. (…) Me, I would have been vaccinated and I would have gone to play, but he has very strong convictions and you have to respect them. At this point in the pandemic, we are two and a half years into it, I think people in all parts of the world know a lot more. The idea that he can’t travel this far is a joke. »
Supporter of the freedom to choose, the interested party explained his decision last February: “The decision-making principles about my body are more important than any title or anything else. I try to be in tune with my body as much as possible. I hope to be able to play for many more years. »
See also: Novak Djokovic ready to sacrifice Roland-Garros and Wimbledon for “the freedom to choose”