Novak Djokovic: Unvaccinated Novak Djokovic won’t play in US Open

World no. No. 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic announced today that he will not play at the US Open this year. The US Open is to be played from August 29.

“Sadly I won’t be able to travel to New York this time for the US Open,” Djokovic wished his fellow players. ,

The Serb won his 21st major title at Wimbledon in July, leaving him behind Rafael Nadal’s all-time men’s record.

Djokovic’s decision not to vaccinate against COVID-19 means he has missed out on his chances to be in the race this year. The nine-time Australian Open champion did not play in Melbourne.

Foreign nationals who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 are currently unable to enter the US or Canada, and Djokovic has said he will not get shots, even if it bars him from playing in some tournaments.

The US Tennis Association has said it will follow government regulations regarding vaccination status for this year’s Open. The tournament has no vaccine mandate for players or their support teams – meaning an unaffiliated American will be allowed to compete – and spectators will not be required to wear masks.

Originally published at Pen 18