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Novac DJokovic: (Image Source: Twitter)
Novak Djokovic's stance on vaccination has seen him feature in just two Grand Slam Tennis tournaments so far this year i.e., the French Open and Wimbledon. The Wimbledon champion would have hoped to play the US Open had the COVID-19 rules been relaxed. However, the Serbian's hopes were all crushed when the updated guidelines from the American public health agency arrived on Wednesday.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the guideline stating that foreign nationals need to be fully vaccinated before boarding any flight to the United States.
The latest guideline reads, “Non-US citizen, non-US immigrants: You must show proof of being fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine before you board your flight to the United States. Only limited exceptions apply”
A fortnight ago, the CDC removed the vaccine mandate for American citizens which raised hope that it will soon be extended to non-citizens, too, giving former World Number 1 the chance to play in the Grand Slam. However, the latest update has shut the doors on him firmly.
The absence of the 21-time Grand Slam winner from the year's last Grand Slam has been a topic of debate. Americans Reilly Opelka, John Isner and Tennys Sandgren have supported the Serbian player. Former World No 1. Andy Roddick gave a measured take by saying, “a tennis tournament and a specific player won’t dictate govt policy.”
The American Tennis legend John McEnroe called it “a joke” that Djokovic is unable to travel to the United States and compete in the final major of the year. The 35-year-old's vaccine stance has already seen him miss out on defending the Australian Open title. He even pulled out of last week’s Cincinnati Open due to the same vaccine issues.
The US Open will get underway on 29 August with the draw to be conducted on Thursday (25 August). The lucky loser of the qualifying round will take Djokovic’s place in the event. Daniil Medvedev is the defending champion at the Men's singles event of the US Open. The World No.1 defeated Djokovic last year to grab the crown.