Will Novak Djokovic play at the 2022 US Open?
Fresh from his success at Wimbledon, the question that is now facing Novak Djokovic is whether he can compete for his fourth US Open title next month.
Novak Djokovic asserted his dominance on grass last Sunday by defeating Nick Kyrgios in four sets, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) to claim his seventh overall and fourth consecutive Wimbledon title. He also clinched his 21st major title, one ahead of Roger Federer, and one short of Rafael Nadal, who holds the all-time record at 22.
After all the excitement at All England Club, the one remaining Grand Slam event of the year is the US Open, and the question is, will Djokovic compete in this major tournament?
Djokovic: ‘I’m not planning to get vaccinated’
He was on the threshold of achieving the elusive Grand Slam last year at the US Open, but was foiled by Daniil Medvedev who defeated him in the finals in three sets. It looks like the US Open title will not be on the table for Djokovic this year either.
The Serb says he is unvaccinated and that he has no plans to change his status. Currently, foreigners traveling by air to the United States are required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against covid-19.
Under this policy, Djokovic would not be allowed to enter the country. He would only be able to play if the vaccine mandate is lifted for travelers, or if he is able to acquire a medical exemption from being vaccinated.
The 35-year-old acknowledges that he is unlikely to secure an exemption, and that he is just hoping that the U.S. removes the vaccine requirement by the time the competition begins,
Djokovic missed the chance to defend his Australian Open title earlier this year after being deported from the country over his vaccination status.