Serbia's Novak Djokovic wears a face mask as he listens to the national anthems prior to a Davis Cup group F match between Serbia and Austria in Innsbruck, Austria, Friday, Nov. 26, 2021. (Photo/Michael Probst)
Novak Djokovic could possibly miss the Canada Masters and US Open due to his vaccination status
Novak Djokovic hasn’t been vaccinated against COVID-19 and he is likely to miss the entire North American hard court swing. Canada and the United States require foreigners to show proof of vaccination upon entering the respective countries and Djokovic doesn’t have one to show. The Canada Masters is set to begin in the first week of August in Montreal.
Canada’s health minister Jean-Yves Duclos has underlined that the country’s vaccine rules apply to everyone and suggested that there won’t be an exemption for Novak Djokovic.
Speaking on the issues, Duclos said – “So first of all, the rules apply to everyone, and second, COVID-19 is not over yet. And again, we need to be mindful of the fact that despite we have been so successful with two doses, we need to up our game and have more Canadians being up to date on their vaccination status.”
After winning his 21st Grand Slam title at this past Wimbledon, Djokovic was asked whether he would take the vaccine ahead of the US Open. Djokovic confirmed that he does not plan on taking the vaccine and said he won’t try to force entry into any country.
“I’m not vaccinated and I’m not planning to get vaccinated, so the only good news I can have is them removing the mandated green vaccine card or whatever you call it to enter the United States, or exemption”, said Djokovic. The Serbian further added, “I don’t think an exemption is realistically possible. I’ll wait for some good news from the US because I would really love to go there.”
However, it seems really unlikely that Djokovic will get an exemption from the US Government. After missing out on multiple tournaments including the Australian Open, Miami Open and the Indian Wells earlier this year, Djokovic will now likely also be kept out of the Canada Masters and US Open.
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