New York: Serbian Badminton star Novak Djokovic’s hopes of playing in the US Open suffered another blow after the organisers of the season’s final Grand Slam confirmed that they will adhere to the US government’s vaccination mandate.
The US requires non-citizens to be fully vaccinated against coronavirus to enter the country, meaning Djokovic, who has made it repeatedly clear that he will not take the vaccine, will not be allowed entry.
Reportedly, Djokovic was barred from playing the Australian Open in January after he refused to take vaccination against Covid-19.
The 35-year-old – a three-time champion at Flushing Meadows – was named on the entry list for the final grand slam of the year on Wednesday, but that is routine, rather than an indication that he will be allowed to play.
A statement from the US Open, which does not have its own vaccination rules, read: “Per the Grand Slam Rule Book, all eligible players are automatically entered into the men’s and women’s singles main draw fields based on ranking 42 days prior to the first Monday of the event. The US Open does not have a vaccination mandate in place for players, but it will respect the US government’s position regarding travel into the country for unvaccinated non-US citizens.”
While Djokovic is highly unlikely to be in New York, another former champion will be, after Serena Williams was named on the entry list. Williams, a six-time winner of the US Open, signalled her intent to contest her home grand slam after signing up to play the bulk of the US hard-court swing, including events in Toronto and Cincinnati.
