The unvaccinated Novak Djokovic withdraws from the US Open because he cannot travel to the United States

The US Open will continue without Novak Djokovic.

The 21-time major champion and former world no.

His official schedule had indicated he had no upcoming tournaments planned, but he was hoping things could change before the Open begins on Monday. The draw was scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

“Unfortunately I can’t travel to the US Open in New York this time,” he tweeted.

It’s possible Djokovic won’t play another Grand Slam until next year’s French Open. He faces a three-year ban from the Australian Open after being deported ahead of the tournament in January, although that ban could end early.

John McEnroe said on Wednesday it would be a “joke” if Djokovic wasn’t allowed to play in the United States. He added: “It’s going to be a great event”, with or without Djokovic, adding: “Obviously it would be better if Novak was there.”

On Wednesday, the CDC’s guidance on international travel was updated to read: “Non-US citizens, non-US immigrants: You must provide proof that you are fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine before You board your flight to the United States. Only limited exceptions apply.”

US Open Tournament Director Stacey Allaster said in a statement: “Novak is a great champion and it is very unfortunate that he will not be able to compete in the 2022 US Open as he is unable to enter the country due to federal vaccination policies Government for non-US citizens. We look forward to welcoming Novak back to the US Open in 2023.’”

Djokovic has said he won’t get the Covid-19 vaccinations, even if it means he won’t be able to go to certain tournaments. He missed the Australian Open in January and was unable to play in the US this year due to travel restrictions.

He played at the French Open, where he lost to Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals, and at Wimbledon, which Djokovic won last month for his 21st Grand Slam title – one behind the men’s record of 22 held by Nadal.

“The greatest for [Djokovic] It’s his personal risk that he’s taking,” McEnroe said. “Rafa, if he won, he would have two margins [at 23 majors]that it would be more difficult to differentiate in terms of overall Grand Slam victories. And he’s talked about wanting to be on top of the heap and wanting to be the greatest of all time, which I respect that he has the courage to say that.”