PC: Los Angeles Times

Tennis star Novak Djokovic had to withdraw from this year’s US Open tournament because he isn’t vaccinated against Covid-19, the virus that’s caused so much trouble in the United States recently. He would have liked to play, but unfortunately he won’t be able to because the US government has banned him from entering the country until he gets his vaccination and goes through quarantine procedures. Let’s take a look at how this happened.

Novak Djokovic, who has won 21 grand slam titles, revealed on Thursday that he would not be competing in the next US Open.

Despite the fact that current US regulations require that all non-US citizens be fully immunised against the virus in order to acquire a visa and visit the country, Djokovic has stayed unvaccinated against Covid-19 throughout the outbreak.

“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to travel to NY this time for US Open,” the 35-year-old Serbian wrote. We appreciate your love and support, #NoleFam.

“Good luck to all of my competitors! I’ll remain healthy and upbeat as I wait for another competition opportunity. Until then, tennis world.

“Novak is a wonderful champion and it is extremely disappointing that he will be unable to compete at the 2022 US Open, as he is ineligible to enter the country owing to the federal government’s vaccination policy for non-US nationals,” said Stacy Allaster, the tournament director of the US Open. When Novak returns to the US Open in 2023, we eagerly await his arrival.

A “lucky loser” will be included in the draw as a result of Djokovic’s withdrawal occurring after the start of the qualifiers, according to the US Open statement.

Djokovic’s reluctance to acquire the Covid-19 vaccine resulted in his deportation from Australia in January, which prevented him from competing in the Australian Open.

Wimbledon in July saw Djokovic win the sport’s most recent championship. Due to the same US travel restrictions, he was unable to participate at Indian Wells or the Miami Open in March.

On Thursday at 12:00, the draw will be made for the current US Open. The competition will place between August 29 and September 11.