Unvaccinated Novak Djokovic Withdraws From U.S. Open Because He Can’t Travel To United States

The U.S. Open will go on without Novak Djokovic.

The 21-time major champion and former world No. 1 has withdrawn from the last Grand Slam event of the year because he cannot travel to the United States as a result of being unvaccinated against Covid-19.

His official schedule had indicated he has no upcoming tournaments planned, but he held out hope that things might change before the start of the Open on Monday. The draw was set for noon on Thursday.

“Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open,” he tweeted.

It’s possible Djokovic won’t play another Grand Slam until next year’s French Open. He faces a three-year ban from the Australian Open after having been deported ahead of the tournament in January, although that ban could end early.

John McEnroe said Wednesday it would be a “joke” if Djokovic were not allowed into the U.S. to play. He added “it will be a great event” with or without Djokovic, adding “It would be better if Novak was there, obviously.”

On Wednesday, the CDC’s guidance on international travel was updated to say: “Non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants: You must show proof of being fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine before you board your flight to the United States. Only limited exceptions apply.”

Stacey Allaster, the U.S. Open tournament director, said in a statement: “Novak is a great champion and it is very unfortunate that he will be unable to compete at the 2022 US Open, as he is unable to enter the country due to the federal government’s vaccination policy for non-U.S. citizens. We look forward to welcoming Novak back at the 2023 US Open.’”

Djokovic has said he won’t get the Covid-19 shots, even if that means he can’t go to certain tournaments. He missed the Australian Open in January and hasn’t been able to play in the U.S. this year due to travel restrictions.

He did play in the French Open, where he lost in the quarterfinals to Rafael Nadal, and at Wimbledon, which Djokovic won last month for his 21st Grand Slam title — one behind the men’s record of 22 held by Nadal.

“The biggest thing for [Djokovic] is his personal risk that he’s risking,” McEnroe said. “Rafa, if he were to win this he would be two ahead [at 23 majors], that it would be tougher to separate himself in terms of the overall Grand Slam wins. And he’s talked about wanting to be at the top of the heap and the greatest ever, which I respect, that he has the guts to say that.”