CINCINNATI — Novak Djokovic withdrew from the Cincinnati Tennis Masters on Friday because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19 and therefore cannot travel to the United States.
It is for this same reason that Djokovic is not expected to participate in the United States Open, the last Grand Slam tournament of the season, which will begin on August 29 in New York.
The 35-year-old Serb has won 21 major tournament titles, one less than Rafael Nadal who is the men’s leader.
Djokovic said he won’t get vaccinated even if it prevents him from taking part in some tournaments. He missed the Australian Open in January, two tournaments in the United States earlier in the season and the National Bank Open in Montreal, played this week.
Unvaccinated travelers cannot travel to Canada or the United States under these restrictions. Cincinnati tournament officials said Djokovic pulled out due to “travel restrictions”.
Djokovic said he remains hopeful of making the U.S. Open, but that would require a change in government policies. The United States Tennis Association has indicated that they will adhere to US laws.
Djokovic is a three-time U.S. Open champion and runner-up at the 2021 edition following a loss to Daniil Medvedev.
