The Serbian legend – Novak Djokovic has announced that he will not be traveling to New York to play in the upcoming US Open competition.

The announcement seemed inevitable but fans were hoping against hope that somehow the legendary Novak Djokovic would be allowed to play in the upcoming US Open Championships. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) laid out the new guidelines which stated that there would be no discrimination regarding the vaccination status of people. However, that law was only applicable to the people already in the USA.

Fans were hoping that the rule would be tweaked a little and made applicable to foreign travelers as well. The 21-time Grand Slam champion also waited for as long as he could be with the US Open draw about to take place on Thursday, something had to give. Djokovic, who was part of the entry list for the US Open, has announced on Twitter that he would not feature this year at Flushing Meadows. He wrote:

“Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open. Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support. ❤️ Good luck to my fellow players! I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again. 💪🏼 See you soon tennis world! 👋🏼”

Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open. Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support. ❤️ Good luck to my fellow players! I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again. 💪🏼 See you soon tennis world! 👋🏼

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 25, 2022

The 3-time US Open champion will miss his second Grand Slam of the year after being deported prior to the Australian Open owing to his unvaccinated status.

Alexander Zverev already pulled out of the competition as he has not yet recovered fully from his ankle injury. Now Djokovic’s withdrawal would take a lot of star power away from the last major event of the year.

Twitter reactions to Novak Djokovic withdrawing from US Open 2022

Fans are distraught after the announcement from Novak Djokovic. They had signed petitions and put out hashtags on Twitter requesting the US government to allow Djokovic at the US Open. However, all of that fell on deaf ears.

We Still Love You Goat!!

— Sabir ! (@sabir_cfc) August 25, 2022

It’s not fair 🙁

— C'est la vie 🎢❤️🎾 🐊 N.D. (@Tennislove91ND) August 25, 2022

Such a shame champion 😔

— Suzanna (@Suzanna_R) August 25, 2022

Thank you for not compromising what you believe 👍❤️

— Mad Max (@cryptocoins365) August 25, 2022

If the Players had any backbone or values they would all boycott – should have done the same at Wimbledon for the Russian players – no players – no tournamnet

— socrates georgiades (@djsox) August 25, 2022

We support you always. You are the greatest of time. This nonsense has to stop clearly the vaccine doesn’t stop people getting covid. The tournament is poorer for excluding the best player in the world (that is what you are as you had 4000 slam points robbed of you this year)

— Aaron Kumar (@Aaronk28) August 25, 2022

Not fair!! Not gonna watch it without you in it 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

— Zamir Markovsky (@Zmirnoff25) August 25, 2022

i am in tears but i understand

— 김 ninja (@1993thv) August 25, 2022

We love you Noleeeeee❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ always with you

— Malak (@malak_kh14) August 25, 2022

To me, tennis is not the same without you. Always there for you and can’t wait for you to come back on court! See you soon! Love and support from China ❤️

— Pink_NoleFam (@pink_nolefam) August 25, 2022

Disgusting Nole. Your principles in an unprincipled world are heart warming. Forget the number of slams, you are the greatest ever. Maybe because you never had it as easy as Federer and Nadal??

— The Online MBA (@theonlinemba) August 25, 2022

You're a true hero
Keep up that spirit! 🙌💪

— Ana (@Bitcoin3ra) August 25, 2022

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