“We look forward to welcoming Novak back at the 2023 US Open,” said the USTA. Source: Shutterstock.
The World No.6 will not be attending the US Open as it’s a requirement that people travelling to the US be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Djokovic confirmed the news, which was highly speculated, making a post to Twitter.
“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!”
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) said the reason why the veteran player can’t make it to the US Open is because of his vaccination status.
“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,” said US Open director Stacey Allaster.
Although he’s unable to make the US Open, he was allowed to play at the French Open however was knocked out of the first round.
But he later redeemed himself when he was allowed to play at Wimbledon, going right to the end to claim the Men’s Singles Title against Australian Nick Kyrgios.
While Djokovic won’t be making an appearance this year, it will be the last time tennis legend Serena Williams takes to the court as the former No.1 recently revealed her plans to retire.
“If I were a guy, I wouldn’t be writing this because I’d be out there playing and winning while my wife was doing the physical labour of expanding our family,” she said.
“I know it’s not the usual thing to say, but I feel a great deal of pain. It’s the hardest thing that I could ever imagine. I hate it. I hate that I have to be at this crossroads. I keep saying to myself, I wish it could be easy for me, but it’s not. I’m torn: I don’t want it to be over, but at the same time I’m ready for what’s next.”
She has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles over her 27-year career, winning her first at the age of 17 at the 1999 US Open.
Her last Grand Slam title was the 2-17 Australian Open where she beat out her older sister Venus.
