Djokovic withdraws from the US Open and his Grand Slam season is over

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the 2022 US Open due to the fact that his unvaccinated status prohibits him from entering the United States at the moment

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates winning his second round match at the Dubai Tennis Championships Image Credit: AI / Reuters / Panoramic

Chris Oddo

August 25, 2022

The news came through on Thursday and, as expected, it was not good for 21-time major champion Novak Djokovic. The three-time US Open champion has withdrawn from the 2022 US Open, due to the fact that the US government does not allow unvaccinated foreign travellers to enter into the United States at this time.

“Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open,” Djokovic wrote on social media. “Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support. Good luck to my fellow players! I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again. See you soon tennis world!”

Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open. Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support. ❤️ Good luck to my fellow players! I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again. 💪🏼 See you soon tennis world! 👋🏼
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 25, 2022

A difficult season at the Slams

It has been a rough ride for Djokovic, who has stuck with his decision to remain unvaccinated for Covid-19 and has missed out on myriad playing opportunities as a result. He finished 2021 in a three-way tie for the men’s singles Grand Slam title lead, with each of the trio on 20, after winning three of the four majors he contested.

But in 2022, after being deported from Australia at the 11th hour and missing out on the US Open, Djokovic has only been able to claim a single Slam title, while Nadal has won his 21st and 22nd to take the lead.

In New York, where Nadal and the rest of the field benefit from Djokovic’s absence, the Spaniard will bid for his 23rd major title and is considered a top favourite along with Daniil Medvedev.

Djokovic is 23-5 on the season with two titles.

“We look forward to welcoming Novak back at the 2023 US Open”

US Open tournament director Stacey Allaster stated that Djokovic’s withdrawal is very unfortunate for the tournament.

“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-UScitizens,” US Open Tournament Director Stacey Allaster said. “We look forward to welcoming Novak back at the 2023 US Open.”