Novak Djokovic to miss the U.S. Open because he's not vaccinated
Tennis star Novak Djokovic is set to miss yet another tournament because he's still not vaccinated against COVID-19.
Djokovic said Thursday he's withdrawing from the U.S. Open because he "will not be able to travel" to the United States to play. He has not been vaccinated against COVID-19, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requires non-U.S. citizens show proof of vaccination before entering the country.
"Good luck to my fellow players!" Djokovic tweeted. "I'll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
In January, Djokovic was forced to miss the Australian Open because he isn't vaccinated against COVID-19. He arrived in the country to play but was deported after his visa was canceled. Since then, Djokovic has been permitted to play at some tournaments like Wimbledon, though he's had to miss others like the Miami Open and the National Bank Open.
Last month, Djokovic said on Instagram he was practicing "as if I will be allowed to compete" in the U.S. Open while "I await to hear if there is any room for me to travel to the US. Fingers crossed!" But U.S. travel policies have not changed in the time since. U.S. Open tournament director Stacey Allaster said it's "very unfortunate that he will be unable to compete" but that "we look forward to welcoming Novak back" in 2023.
Djokovic told BBC in February that if he has to miss competitions due to his refusal to get vaccinated, that's "the price that I'm willing to pay."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
'Voters know Biden and Trump all too well'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Is the Gaza war tearing US university campuses apart?
Today's Big Question Protests at Columbia University, other institutions, pit free speech against student safety
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
DOJ settles with Nassar victims for $138M
Speed Read The settlement includes 139 sexual abuse victims of the former USA Gymnastics doctor
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published