Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the U.S. Open as he is not allowed to enter the U.S. because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19
Novak Djokovic announced his withdrawal from the year’s final Grand Slam tournament on Twitter on Thursday, hours before the draw for the event was revealed. With 21 major championships, Djokovic is just one Grand Slam title behind Rafael Nadal for the men’s record. Three of Djokovic’s Slam trophies came at the U.S. Open, in 2011, 2015, and 2018.
Djokovic took to Twitter to announce his withdrawal from the competition. “Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open,” Djokovic wrote, wishing luck to his fellow players, and said he would “keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again.”
The US Open is scheduled to begin at Flushing Meadows on 29 August.
World No.1 Daniil Medvedev and world No. 3 Rafael Nadal are the top two seeds and favourites for the title in the absence of Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev.
A constellation of rising stars, all of whom have enjoyed spectacular seasons including world No. 4 Carlos Alcaraz of Spain, and world No. 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece will be in pursuit of a maiden Grand Slam title. Nadal has all the experience in the world but he will certainly face a tough challenge from the young crop of players.
In his first US Open since 2019, all eyes will be on Nadal, the four-time US Open champion and this year’s Australian Open and Roland Garros winner, as he seeks his 23rd Grand Slam title. Coming off an abdominal tear he suffered during Wimbledon, Nadal will face Australia’s wild card Rinky Hijikata in Round 1. Looking ahead, the Spaniard could face potential spoilers including American 22nd-seed Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round.
However, the Spaniard has had to sit out the US Open four times in his career and there are once again fresh doubts over his physical ability to survive a grueling two weeks at Flushing Meadows.
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