Novak Djokovic suspended for US Open after vaccination policy change

Novak Djokovic shares 22 men's Grand Slam titles with Rafael Nadal. Credit: AP/Kamran Jebreili

Novak Djokovic will be able to play at the US Open in August after the United States finally dropped its requirement that all foreign visitors be vaccinated against Covid.

Because of Djokovic's vaccine refusal, he was unable to compete in last year's event in New York, as well as in the Australian Open at the start of the season.

Explaining his decision last year, Djokovic told the BBC that he had missed a major tournament. titles was «the price I'm willing to pay» for «trying to be as in tune with my body as possible.»

US entry requirements will change on May 11. A White House spokesman said: “Today we are announcing that the administration will be waiving Covid vaccine requirements for federal employees, federal contractors and international air travelers at the end of the day on May 11th. , on the same day that the Covid public health emergency ends.”

Djokovic has also missed several high-profile ATP events in the US over the past 18 months. He recently applied for special permission to participate in the so-called «Solar Twin» of Miami and Indian Wells, which take place in March and April, but did not receive a green light.

With Rafael Nadal's hip, the injury refuses to be treated , Djokovic probably needs another major title to finish at the top of the Grand Slam table. After his dominant win at the Australian Open in January, he and Nadal are level with No. 22, with Roger Federer just behind them with No. 20. Djokovic, however, is suffering from elbow problems and cannot compete. in the ongoing Mutua Madrid Open. It seems unusual that, four weeks before the French Open, none of these greatest players are bookies' favorites. This year, the explosive Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz is attracting more money from players than any of them.