Novak Djokovic, the world’s top-ranked men’s tennis player, will be able to compete in the 2023 U.S. Open after the federal government’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate for foreign air travelers ended on May 11. The White House announced that most remaining federal COVID-19 vaccine requirements will disappear, paving the way for the Serbian professional tennis player to participate in the U.S. Open, scheduled to begin in August. Despite not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, Djokovic had hoped to compete in other prestigious tennis tournaments such as the 2022 US Open and the Australian Open but was barred from entering both countries because of vaccination mandates.
Djokovic has faced several controversies and obstacles, including being denied entrance to Australia in January 2022 after his visa was revoked due to the country’s vaccine mandates. However, he recently won the Australian Open, his 22nd Grand Slam title, after restrictions were eased, allowing him to travel to Australia. Djokovic’s participation in the US Open is now confirmed after he was granted a medical exemption by the state of New York, which allows him to enter the United States despite not being vaccinated against COVID-19.
The Serbian player has repeatedly refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and missed out on several key events, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2021 ATP Indian Wells. In 2022, Djokovic was unable to enter the US to compete in the US Open as he did not receive the COVID-19 vaccine. He also missed the Masters 1000 tournaments at Indian Wells, California, and Miami for the same reason. Djokovic’s withdrawal from this year’s Miami Open is yet another example of how his unvaccinated status limits his ability to compete at top-level events.
The U.S. Open Grand Slam tournament, which is set to commence on August 28, is now open to Djokovic, who is tied with Rafael Nadal for the most Grand Slam singles titles in the Open Era, with 22 titles to his name. The US Tennis Association (USTA) is hopeful that Djokovic will be allowed to enter the country for the US Open in August, despite being unvaccinated against COVID-19. The USTA spokesman affirmed that no COVID-19 restrictions were in place for players, fans, or other attendees.
In conclusion, Novak Djokovic’s participation in the 2023 U.S. Open represents a significant milestone for the tennis superstar, who has repeatedly challenged COVID-19 vaccination mandates in tennis and other sports. However, his unvaccinated status continues to limit his ability to compete in top-level tournaments. Djokovic’s successful bid for a medical exemption allows him to participate in this year’s U.S. Open, but he remains a controversial figure amidst the pandemic backdrop, with his stance against vaccine mandates bringing both criticism and support from fans and fellow athletes.
