Novak Djokovic will not be allowed to play in the US Open due to his refusal to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.
The US Open organizers have said they would respect the government’s rules on non-citizens being fully vaccinated in order to enter the country, ruling out Djokovic.
Djokovic’s anti-vaccine stance has been well-documented. In January 2022, he was deported from Australia prior to the Open in Melbourne over his refusal to get vaccinated.
Following the drama Down Under, Djokovic, 35, said that he would not get the jab just to compete in tournaments.
The former world number one told the BBC in February that he had vaccines as a child and that he was not ‘against vaccinations.’
He added: ‘I’ve always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body.’
Djokovic was hopeful of competing in Flushing Meadows next month but won’t risk a repeat of the deportation furor he went through in Australia.
The Serbian superstar has won the US Open on three occasions.
He was named on the entry list for the final grand slam of the year on Wednesday, but that is routine, rather than an indication that he will be allowed to play.
The list is made up of the highest ranking players in the world. Djokovic is currently ranked seventh. He is only one major win away from tying with fellow legend Rafa Nadal for 22 major titles.