Novak Djokovic not vaccinated: new (very) cold shower for the Serbian player

The soap opera will have been shorter than a few months ago, but the sentence is the same. After a few days of hesitation, Novak Djokovic spoke on his Twitter account this Thursday, August 25 to announce thathe withdrew from the US Open. “Unfortunately, I will not be able to travel to New York this time for the US Open. Thank you for your messages of love and support. Good luck to my fellow players! I will keep fit and positive and wait an opportunity to compete again. See you soon world of tennis!”, wrote the Serbian tennis player. The reason for his absence? The United States asks all foreigners on its territory to provide proof of their vaccination against Covid-19, which Novak Djokovic refuses to do for “ethical reason”as he revealed.

“In accordance with Grand Slam rules, all eligible players are automatically entered into the men’s and women’s entry list based on ranking 42 days prior to the first Monday of the tournament, the American Tennis Association said in a statement. L‘US Open does not have a rule regarding the vaccine for players but will respect the position of the US government with respect to the entry into the United States of persons who are non-Americans and who are not vaccinated.” Already last January, Novak Djokovic was unable to participate in the Australian Open for the same reason. If he had obtained the green light to go to the territory, the athlete who could not provide proof of his vaccination against Covid-19 had been placed in a detention center by the authorities.

Novak Djokovic: the record will wait

A few weeks after his expulsion from Australia, Novak Djokovic gave a shock interview to the BBC. The Serbian player then said he was ready to miss other major tournaments if these are reserved for vaccinated players. “Decisions about my body are more important than any title”he confided, while refusing to describe himself as “anti-vax”: “I have never been against vaccination. I understand that everyone is making a big effort to deal with the virus, and hopefully see the end of it soon.” Since that date, Novack Djokovic has won the Wimbledon tournament in front of the eyes of the British royal family. In the United States, the Serb was hoping to equal the record of 22 Grand Slams held by Rafael Nadal. It won’t be this time.