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 yet another ATP event this year unless the US Government makes any changes to its latest legislation
Novak Djokovic is set to miss multiple events in the U.S.A including the US Open because of his Covid-19 vaccination status. In the latest legislation that came into effect on June 12, the rule states that foreigners who have completed the vaccination cycle will only be allowed to enter the country. So, at this moment, Djokovic is likely to miss the prestigious events of Toronto, Cincinnati, and even the US Open.
This comes across as a serious setback for World No.3. At this rate, he will have to wait a long time to try to get back to the top of the ATP rankings. Djokovic’s risk is also that of not having the necessary points to get to the ATP Finals in Turin.
Novak Djokovic has had a very underwhelming 2022 so far. The Serbian has missed multiple top-rated tournaments this year due to his vaccination status.
He was out of action from the ATP tour for two months after he was not allowed to participate in the Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open for not being vaccinated against Covid-19. Playing after a gap of two months, Djokovic failed to find his rhythm in the Monte Carlo Masters and suffered a shock exit after a loss in the very first round. The Serbian is presently gearing up for the Wimbledon, which starts on June 27.
The US Open will allow tennis players from Russia and Belarus to compete this year despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, which prompted Wimbledon to ban the players from these two countries.
The All England Club, where the main-draw play for Wimbledon starts on 27 June, announced in April it would bar all Russians and Belarusians from its fields – which means current men’s No 1, Russia’s Daniil Medvedev, is not eligible to participate.
However, US Open has not opted for similar measures which imply defending US Open men’s singles champion, Daniil Medvedev along with his compatriots will have the opportunity to challenge for the title. The US Open starts on August 29 in New York.
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