Novak Djokovic confirmed that he is out of the US Open, which begins on Monday.
“Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open,” Djokovic wrote on social media.
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“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
Djokovic, a three-time US Open champion, was ineligible to travel to the United States as the virus protocols require him to be vaccinated.
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It is the second Grand Slam the 35-year-old Serb, after he was deported prior to the Australian Open earlier this year.
Djokovic’s announcement, which was widely anticipated, came hours before the draw for the final Slam of the season.
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“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-US citizens,” tournament director Stacey Allaster said in the statement.
“We look forward to welcoming Novak back at the 2023 US Open.”
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Organisers announced he would be replaced in the men’s draw by a lucky loser from qualifying.
