Novak Djokovic BANNED from US Open with three-time champion to miss tournament due to not having Covid vaccination
NOVAK DJOKOVIC has been BANNED from the 2022 US Open.
The Wimbledon champion, 35, is barred from entering the United States due to being unvaccinated for Covid.
The 21-time Grand Slam winner confirmed his absence via his Twitter account.
He wrote: “Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open. Thank you [fans] 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!”
The US Open at Flushing Meadows have also released an official statement confirming the American ban.
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It read: “Novak Djokovic withdrew from the 2022 US Open prior to the draw taking place this morning.
“The official seeding list is not determined until the draw is made.
“As the Qualifying Tournament has commenced, his withdrawal resulted in a Lucky Loser being included in the draw.”
Stacey Allaster, the tournament director added: “Novak is a great champion and it is very unfortunate that he will be unable to compete at the 2022 US Open, as he is unable to enter the country due to the federal government’s vaccination policy for non-US citizens.
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“We look forward to welcoming Novak back at the 2023 US Open.”
The star was deported from Australia in January and missed the Aussie Open for similar reasons.
It’s a huge blow for Djok who is chasing Rafa Nadal’s 22-Slam record.
Nadal, 36, will be competing at Flushing Meadows and will now have a chance to pull further ahead of his rival.
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But last year’s US Open winner Daniil Medvedev is favourite to lift the trophy.
Brit Cam Norrie – World No9 – will be hoping to continue hot form off the back of his Wimbledon semi-final, with no Djokovic to stop him this time.
John McEnroe has slammed the idea that the unvaccinated Djokovic is blocked from playing in next week’s tournament.
The American said: “It’s not fair. It’s a joke.
“I would have had the vaccine and played but he’s got very strong beliefs and you have to respect those.
“At this point in the pandemic, we’re two and a half years in, people in all parts of the world know more about it.
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“The idea he can’t travel here to play is a joke.
“Just as it was when he got thrown out of Australia. It took him three or four months to get his head right.”