World No.3 Novak Djokovic is set to miss the US Open after a report suggested America has no plans to lift its vaccination rule in time for the tournament.
In a huge announcement, flying in the face of Wimbledon, the US Open announced Russian and Belarusian players would be able to participate in the year’s final grand slam.
The decision from the US Open caused division, but will allow World No.1 Daniil Medvedev to defend his title later this year.
However, the UK Telegraph has also reported that the US has no intention of lifting its ban on unvaccinated travellers entering the country.
“There are no plans to relax American immigration rules that require incoming travellers to have undergone vaccination for Covid,” according to the publication.
This would rule out Djokovic from entering the US, considering he was steadfast that he wouldn’t get vaccinated to play grand slams.
The US Open begins in August and if the rule remains in place it would mark the second grand slam in 2022 that Djokovic has missed.
Djokovic missed the Australian Open earlier when he was detained over his vaccination status and documents upon entering the country.
Djokovic attempted to fight the ruling in court.
However, the 20-time grand slam champion was eventually deported and missed the Australian Open after the scandal made worldwide headlines.
Despite the US Open conundrum, Djokovic is set to take part at Wimbledon and will most likely be No.1 seed.
This is because of Wimbledon’s ban on Russian players, which would rule out World No.1 Medvedev.
World No.2 Alexander Zverev is currently skipping SW19 after an injury at the French Open.
But missing the US Ope would be a huge blow for Djokovic’s quest to end his career with the most grand slam titles after Rafa Nadal extended his lead to 22 after his French Open win.
US Open divides tennis world with Russia exemption
The US Tennis Association (USTA) announced on Tuesday that Russian and Belarusian players would be able to compete at Flushing Meadows.
In making the announcement, the USTA has distanced itself from Wimbledon, which controversially banned players from Russia and Belarus competing at the All England Club, in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
Wimbledon’s ban prompted the men’s and women’s tour to withdraw ranking points from the event, sparking criticism from many of the world’s top players.
It means World No.1 Daniil Medvedev will be able to try and defend the maiden grand slam singles title he won at Flushing Meadows in 2021.
Source: au.sports.yahoo.com, Photo: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images