Nova Djokovic and the US Open: a policy-driven season that shaped the tennis calendar

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Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic announced on Thursday that he would not participate in the upcoming US Open because he could not enter the United States under current vaccine rules. The global press had been watching whether the anti-vaccine stance would alter his schedule, especially after a long season and a series of big matches that had kept him at the center of attention.

“Unfortunately I won’t be able to travel to New York this time for the US Open. Thanks to the NoleFam for the many messages of love and support. I wish good luck to the other players. I will stay in peak condition and keep a positive mindset, and I’ll be ready for the next opportunity to compete. See you soon, tennis world!” Djokovic posted on his social media account.

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to travel to NY for the US Open this time. Thank you NoleFam for your messages of love and support. I will stay in form and in a positive mood and look forward to the chance to compete again. See you, world of tennis!

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 25, 2022

Djokovic, a three-time champion in New York and a finalist in the previous year, missed the 2022 US Open because he refused a voluntary vaccine requirement, a policy that affected many international players who wished to compete in the United States. The decision kept him off the court for the start and end of that season, and he also faced travel restrictions at the time in other major events.

The Serbian star, who has captured 21 major titles, was unable to participate in the Australian Open that year for the same vaccination-related reason, illustrating how the policy influenced the calendar for a period of time.

vaccine test

U.S. regulations at that moment required non-U.S. citizens to show proof of vaccination as part of immigration checks, and Djokovic waited until the last possible moment hoping the government would ease the rules. The hesitation reflected the broader tension between elite athletes and travel restrictions that varied by country and by sport.

Just hours before the main draw, the Serb confirmed his withdrawal from the event, choosing to focus on other major tournaments that season. He still participated in events such as Roland Garros and Wimbledon, where he sought to add to his long list of titles and championships.

A spokesperson for the United States Open organization commented that Novak Djokovic is a major champion and that it would be a disappointment not to see him in the field due to government vaccination policies for non-citizens. The organization emphasized its readiness to welcome him at future editions when conditions permit.

Earlier, the tournament released promotional materials featuring players like Rafa Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, with the absence of Djokovic signaling the practical implications of the policy on the field that year. The absence was noted by fans as a reminder of how external rules can shape the lineup and the dynamics of a grand slam event.

Djokovic did not compete in the Australian Open that year and skipped portions of the US tour, including Indian Wells, Miami, and several summer events, underscoring how the vaccination policy influenced the schedule and participation decisions for many leading players. While the US Open itself did not require vaccination certificates, it stated it would respect the government’s decisions, which left room for questions about future policy changes and how they would affect the world’s top players.

As the season progressed, the US Open looked ahead to a future where the world’s top players would arrive under prevailing rules. The 2023 US Open and beyond carried the memory of that period, when travel rules and tournament participation intersected with the careers of athletes who had long defined the sport on the global stage. The dynamic remains a reminder that sports stars operate in a nexus of policy, health, and competition. In 2023, the US Open remained a hub of intense competition, with top players from around the world shaping the narrative of one of tennis’s grandest stages. (Citation: tournament records and contemporary reporting)

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