Will Novak Djokovic play in US Open? Tennis star might LOSE OUT on more Grand Slams
Australian Open does not seem to be the only Grand Slam Tennis tournament that Novak Djokovic might be missing this year due to his Covid inoculation status. The question of whether he will be able to participate in the US Open or any of the other two remaining Grand Slams - Wimbledon and the French Open - still hangs in the balance.
While the US Open has not declared anything regarding the participation of the world's number one Tennis star, it is becoming apparent that he might soon be facing several legal obstacles there too. Anyone, who is not a US citizen, must be fully vaccinated if they want to enter the United States. While there are exceptions to the rule, those don't appear to apply to Djokovic. Djokovic would require to show some type of medical documentation stating why he can't receive the Covid vaccine. As to whether the document will be considered valid and will be accepted by the authorities is another matter altogether.
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According to CBS Sports, the thing that may further complicate matters is the fact that the tournament takes place in New York where all the fans in the audience will be vaccinated. Djokovic, who has not won the US Open title since 2018, will have to get tested for Covid every three days, as the tournament's website states, "The NYC Executive Order specifically exempts non-resident professional athletes (and sports teams) not based in New York City (i.e., not a NYC 'home team'), from this specific NYC Executive Order requirement. Additionally, while there is a percentage of players that are vaccinated the USTA is conducting COVID-19 tests for players every 3 days throughout the Tournament."
Djokovic might not get to play French Open
The French Open begins on May 22 and runs through June 5. The laws surrounding the pandemic might change by then. However, for now, as they stand, it is not looking to be in favor of Djokovic.
French Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu announced on Sunday, January 16, that athletes would not be exempt from France’s Covid pass, which requires people to be vaccinated against Covid to enter public places, including sporting events. "The rule is simple. The vaccine pass will be imposed, as soon as the law is promulgated, in establishments that were already subject to the health pass," the Sports Ministry said. "This will apply to everyone who is a spectator or a professional sportsperson. And this is until further notice," the Sports Ministry informed.
Although Maracineanu had suggested earlier this month that athletes could be exempt from France’s vaccination requirements through a "bubble” system, the French government has now scrapped any such plans. Stanislas Guerini, a French MP and executive director for En Marche, said that Djokovic’s behavior was “irresponsible” as he discussed the Covid pass in an interview with RTL on Monday morning. “All the big events which will take place in France will also adopt the Covid pass,” he said. “Who would understand if we asked our citizens to make an effort and respect the rules if we authorize some to get out of them?”
Will Djokovic play the Wimbledon?
If Djokovic wants to compete at Wimbledon, which begins on June 27 and runs through July 10, he will need to take a covid test two days before he arrives in England, adhering to the country's strict guidelines when it comes to visitors. The athlete will also need to quarantine for 10 days then take a Covid test on the second and eighth days of his quarantine period.
These guidelines for visitors have been laid in place by the British government. The All England Club, which is where Wimbledon is played, however, could have its own rules and guidelines for the tournament itself. The tournament has so far not taken a call regarding Djokovic's participation.