Djokovic withdraws from Montreal - Will he be able to play in the US Open?
The Canadian Open is the first major tournament in the Northern American summer tour and Novak Djokovic will miss it due to his vaccination stance.
The first major tennis tournament in the Northern American summer tour is taking place in Canada, and it will be missing two stars- Rafael Nadal, who is out because of his abdominal injury, and Novak Djokovic, who is unable to enter the country.
The effects of Djokovic’s vaccination status
Djokovic officially withdrew from the National Bank Open in Montreal which will take place next week. He did not give an official reason for backing out of the tournament, but it is speculated that it is due to his refusal to get vaccinated against covid-19.
As the Serbian has not received the vaccine, he will not be allowed to enter Canada, which requires travelers to have received at least two doses before being allowed entry.
This development brings to the fore the probability that will he also miss the 2022 U.S. Open, which is slated to begin on Aug. 29. At the moment, the United States also requires full vaccination for visitors from other countries.
If Djokovic is unable to compete in the U.S. tournament, it would be the second year in a row for him to miss the Grand Slam event due to his position on vaccination.
Despite the likelihood that he will not be able to join the competition at Flushing Meadows, the 35-year-old is hoping that the guidelines will change in time for him to be eligible to enter the country.
In his social media accounts, he assured his fans that he continues to train for the tournament.
He wrote: “I am preparing as if I will be allowed to compete, while I await to hear if there is any room for me to travel to US. Fingers crossed!”
Djokovic’s stance on vaccination has forced him to withdraw from multiple American tournaments. The world number six was deported from Australia in January after entering the country to participate in the Australian Open.