Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic always seems to be in a cloud of controversy regarding his vaccination status, but is he the only elite Tennis player to be unvaccinated?
Novak Djokovic is the only men’s player in the world’s top 100 rankings to not have been vaccinated against Covid-19. Djokovic’s vaccine status is well known to the entire world, after the fiasco, he had to attempt to get into Australia for the first Grand Slam tournament of the year. The Serbian was eventually deported from the country, despite arguments from his fans and family.
As a result of remaining unvaccinated against COVID-19, Djokovic 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 US Open has also ruled out seeking an exemption for any player, making Djokovic’s participation at Flushing Meadows this year impossible unless the entry rules to the US and the state of New York change.
Djokovic is a three-time champion in New York. He made the fourth round last year but was disqualified after unintentionally hitting a lineswoman in his match against Pablo Carreno Busta.
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 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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