WBecause of his refusal to vaccinate, tennis star Novak Djokovic will not play at the US Open this year. Shortly before the draw for the last Grand Slam tournament of the season this Thursday, the name of the 35-year-old Serb was suddenly missing on the Tournament homepage published list of players. A little later, Djokovic confirmed via Twitter that he would not play in the tournament.
“Unfortunately, I am not able to travel to New York for this US Open,” wrote the Serb. He thanks his followers for messages of love and support. “Good luck my fellow players! I’ll stay in good shape and good spirits and wait for an opportunity to compete again. See you soon, tennis world!” announced Djokovic.
“I’m not vaccinated”
The event in Flushing Meadows will therefore take place from Monday without the three-time winner and last year’s finalist. “We’re excited to welcome Novak back to the US Open in 2023,” said tournament director Stacey Allaster, who regretted Djokovic’s absence.
This is not surprising, however, since the USA requires proof of vaccination for foreign citizens to enter the country and the 21-time Grand Slam tournament winner categorically refuses vaccination against the corona virus. “I’m not vaccinated and I don’t plan to get vaccinated,” Djokovic emphasized after his Wimbledon triumph in July.
Because of this attitude, Djokovic is already missing the second Grand Slam tournament this year after he had to leave the country before the first serve at the Australian Open in January after a prank about his entry, which also occupied the courts.
Until recently, Djokovic had hoped for an exception at the US Open. He prepares himself “as if I had permission to play,” Djokovic, who has not competed in a tournament since Wimbledon, tweeted at the end of July.
The organizers of the US Open would have welcomed the start of the exceptional talent, but they also emphasized that they respect the US entry regulations regarding the corona virus. With a few exceptions, vaccination is still a prerequisite for traveling to the country. That didn’t change shortly before the US Open.
The German tennis pros were mostly drawn against very difficult opening opponents. In the first round, Wimbledon semi-finalist Tatjana Maria has to deal with the Greek world number three Maria Sakkari. Andrea Petkovic meets Olympic champion Belinda Bencic from Switzerland, Jule Niemeier plays against Sofia Kenin. The American surprisingly won the Australian Open in 2020, but was never able to build on this success again. She is currently only 265th in the world rankings. Laura Siegemund plays against Sorana Cîrstea from Romania.
Angelique Kerber is not there this year. The German number one announced on Wednesday that she is pregnant and is expecting her first child in the spring of next year. Serena Williams, on the other hand, was given a solvable task at her last appearance. The 40-year-old American plays against Danka Kovinic from Montenegro. Williams, who has won 23 Grand Slam tournaments in her career, has announced that the US Open will be the final tournament of her impressive career.
Hard work for men
The German men also face high hurdles in Flushing Meadows. Oscar Otte, the German number one in the absence of the injured Alexander Zverev, meets the strong Pole Hubert Hurkacz. Daniel Altmaier plays against Jannik Sinner from Italy, Peter Gojowczyk against Holger Rune from Denmark. Defending champion Daniil Medvedev meets American Stefan Kozlov in his first round match.
