Novak Djokovic withdraws from the US Open. He is unvaccinated against Covid-19 and not allowed to receive a visa and enter the country before February 2nd, due to coronavirus. Here’s why he did it
Novak Djokovic withdrew from the U.S. Open on Wednesday in the middle of his tournament after his doctor refused to issue a visa for him to enter the country. He is unvaccinated against COVID-19 and is not allowed to receive a visa, nor is he allowed to enter before February 2nd, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Djokovic, who is widely predicted to win this year’s U.S. Open in New York and advance to the third round, is currently in Rome on an excursion. He and his wife are staying in a remote hotel, which is equipped with all necessary equipment to fight against the coronavirus.
“I’m sorry for my country, for my fans and for the fans around the world”, the Serbian tennis star said in a statement. “I will continue my fight against the COVID-19 virus. This is an unprecedented time in our history, and we are all trying to adapt to the new reality. Together, we can overcome Covid-19. I just wanted to send a message of gratitude to all those who have been supporting me and showing their solidarity. We shall overcome this virus together.”
It is not the first time that a top tennis player has withdrawn from the U.S. Open. The most famous of all players, former champion and tennis legend Rod Laver, had a heart attack at the age of 60 and was forced to withdraw from the 1979 U.S. Open.
The U.S. Open is the most famous tournament in tennis, with a main draw which includes current world number one Novak Djokovic, among the most talented players in the game.
It is being run with its usual schedule of 32 matches, with more than 50,000 tickets having been issued so far. There are already over 130,000 tickets
