Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic withdrew from the upcoming U.S. Open due to federal restrictions that prevent foreigners who aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the country.
“Sadly, I will not be able to travel to [New York City] this time for U.S. Open,” Djokovic tweeted Thursday morning. “Good luck to my fellow players! I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again.”
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! 👋🏼
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 25, 2022
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance on international travelers says non-citizens and immigrants need to show proof of receiving the two-dose vaccine before boarding their flight to the U.S.
Djokovic, 35, won Wimbledon last month for the fourth consecutive time after members of the All England Club announced in the spring that the COVID-19 vaccination wouldn’t be a requirement for players.
He had previously competed in the French Open where he fell in the quarterfinal to Spain’s Rafael Nadal, and was looking to avenge his loss in last year’s U.S. Open final to Daniil Medvedev of Russia.
Djokovic’s aversion to the COVID-19 vaccine caused him to miss the Australian Open earlier this year when he was deported by governing authorities just before the tournament started.
“Novak is a great champion and it is very unfortunate that he will be unable to compete at the 2022 U.S. Open, as he is unable to enter the country due to the federal government’s vaccination policy for non-U.S. citizens,” tournament director Stacey Allaster said in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming Novak back at the 2023 US Open.”
U.S. legend John McEnroe called the restriction “a joke.”
“At this point in the pandemic, we’re 2 1/2 years in, I think people in all parts of the world know more about it, and the idea that he can’t travel here to play, to me, is a joke,” Mr. McEnroe said Tuesday, according to the Reuters news service.
The Open begins Monday in New York.
For more information, visit The Washington Times COVID-19 resource page.
• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.
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