World No. 6 Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the US Open 2022 after the 21-time Grand Slam winner announced that he will not be travelling to New York. The reason behind Djokovic not competing in the final Grand Slam of the year is due to his Covid vaccination status. The Serb, who is yet to get himself jabbed against Covid-19, is not allowed to enter the United States as per the existing protocol.
"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!," Djokovic tweeted.
US Open Tournament Director Stacey Allaster also released a statement on the same, which read: "Novak is a great champion and it is very unfortunate that he will be unable to compete at the 2022 US Open, as he is unable to enter the country due to the federal government's vaccination policy for non-US citizens. We look forward to welcoming Novak back at the 2023 US Open."
{{/usCountry}}US Open Tournament Director Stacey Allaster also released a statement on the same, which read: "Novak is a great champion and it is very unfortunate that he will be unable to compete at the 2022 US Open, as he is unable to enter the country due to the federal government's vaccination policy for non-US citizens. We look forward to welcoming Novak back at the 2023 US Open."
{{/usCountry}}This is the second Grand Slam that Djokovic has missed this year due to being unvaccinated against Covid. He was earlier deported from Australia ahead of the Australian Open in January, which also saw the Prime Minister of the country getting involved. Matter escalated with Djokovic getting involved in an intense court case.
However, he was allowed to take part in the French Open and the Wimbledon, which saw the former World No. 1 claim his 21st Major title in July. The feat saw him edge past tennis icon Roger Federer, while he still remains one Grand Slam behind this year's French Open winner Rafael Nadal.
Djokovic will now have to wait until 2023 to add more Major titles to his tally. He has so far reached the US Open finals nine times, out of which he has won three and lost the other six occasions, with the latest being in 2021. The next-gen tennis star Daniil Medvedev had defeated Djokovic in the final at Flushing Meadows.
Apart from the Serb, the 2020 US Open finalist Alexander Zverev will also miss the event. The German is still recovering from the injury he had sustained against Nadal during the semifinals at Roland Garros.
American Reilly Opelka and French player Gael Monfils has also withdrawn from the competition.