this US Open released a poster this week to promote the imminent start of the tournament, featuring eight stars alongside the Spaniards Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, but without Serbian Novak Djokovic. His involvement remains uncertain due to his vaccination status against the coronavirus.
One week remains until competition in New York, and the US Open shared a poster listing Nadal, Alcaraz, Danil Medvedev, and Nick Kyrgios from the ATP circuit, with Iga Swiatek, Serena Williams, Emma Raducanu, and Naomi Osaka highlighted on the WTA side.
While the image does not confirm Djokovic’s actual absence, his photo is not included in the poster. Djokovic is a three-time New York champion and last year’s finalist, and so far he has not entered the United States for the season.
It’s time.
Tennis stars are ready to answer #USOpen to search. pic.twitter.com/JkwHhMrUjh
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) 22 August 2022
Although the prior entrants list suggested his possible appearance, local regulations still require non-citizens and non-residents to show proof of vaccination when passing immigration control.
All of this comes just four days before the main draw for the season’s final major.
Djokovic faced vaccine requirements at the Australian Open earlier this year and did not participate in the American swing, which included events in Indian Wells, Miami, Washington, Montreal, and Cincinnati this summer.
The US Open stated that players are not required to present vaccination certificates, while noting that they will respect government decisions.
The US Open will run from late August through early September, with the defending champion, Daniil Medvedev, leading the field according to the latest rankings.