US politicians do not want unvaccinated tennis star Djokovic to start at the US Open. Now prominent resistance is stirring

The story becomes an evergreen of the worse kind.

Novak Djokovic, currently (probably) the best tennis player in the world and most recently champion at the Grand Slam tournament in Wimbledon, will in all probability also miss the US Open in New York – like the Australian Open in Melbourne in January.

Reason: The Serb is not ready to be vaccinated against Covid.

Although the organizers of the fourth Grand Slam tournament of the year do not provide for a general obligation to vaccinate, the US government refuses entry to unvaccinated foreigners – and the US Open does not want to get in the way.

Now the former top player and today’s TV expert John McEnroe has his say: For the New Yorker, the tournament in his hometown would be simply “ridiculous” without the Serbs.

McEnroe says: “I do not agree with his decision not to be vaccinated.” At the same time, however, he states: “I respect him. He is in excellent health and carefully examines every substance that enters his body. It’s really a shame that he was portrayed in a bad light by the media.”

McEnroe makes it clear that someone has to find a way for Djokovic to compete in New York. “We need a champion like him. Djokovic doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. There is no doubt that he is one of the best of all time.”