Novak Djokovic US Open saga takes a fresh twist as the USA confirms Covid rule changes
Novak Djokovic US Open saga takes a fresh twist as the USA confirms Covid rule changes: Djokovic’s coach Goran Ivanisevic said that he had “zero hope” that the 21-time Grand Slam winner, Novak Djokovic, would play at the year’s US Open. Foreigners who are not vaccinated against Covid-19 are not allowed to enter the United States of America.
He gave this statement despite calls from the likes of tennis great John McEnroe, John Millman, and politicians to allow the Serbians to compete in New York.
Djokovic himself had admitted that he was preparing, “if I will be allowed to compete, while I await to hear if there is any room for me to travel to the US”.
On the 11th of August, he received a big shot in the arm. The CDC has issued new guidelines relaxing rules on social distancing and quarantine with the key rule stating: “Unvaccinated people now have the same as vaccinated people”.
A statement read: “This updated guidance is intended to apply to community settings. In the coming weeks, CDC will work to align stand-alone guidance documents, such as those for healthcare settings, congregate settings at higher risk of transmission, and travel, with today’s update.”
The CDC is yet to update its travel advice, but its website states that it is under view following the latest guidelines. A change is expected to be seen. Djokovic will be competing at the final Grand Slam of the year at Flushing Meadows.
After competing at the French Open and Wimbledon, Djokovic was not able to play at the Canadian Open. He has been sidelined from the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, Ohio. All these restrictions are due to the coronavirus regulations.
However, his name remains on the US Open entry list and a change in the regulations might see him fly to the United States to play in New York.
If Djokovic is allowed to play, then the Winston-Salem Open will be the only event before the US Open that he could play with the ATP 250 tournament starting on August 22.
However, Djokovic, in the past, has entered Grand Slams without playing any warm-up events. He had won Wimbledon in 2022 despite not playing in grass-court events before the tournament.