Unvaccinated Novak Djokovic won't play in US Open

World no. 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic today announced that he will not be playing in the U.S. Open this year. US Open is scheduled to be played from August 29.

"Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open," Djokovic wrote, wishing luck to his fellow players, and said he would "keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again."

The Serb won his 21st major title at Wimbledon in July, leaving him one behind Rafael Nadal's all-time men's record.


Djokovic's decision not to be vaccinated against Covid-19 has meant he has missed opportunities this year to add to his haul. The nine-time Australian Open champion was unable to play in Melbourne.

Foreign citizens who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 are currently unable to enter the U.S or Canada, and Djokovic has said he won't get the shots, even if that prevents him from playing in certain tournaments.

The U.S. Tennis Association has said all along it will follow government rules about vaccination status for this year's Open. There is no vaccine mandate at the tournament for players or their support teams - meaning that an unvaccinated American would be allowed to compete - and spectators will not be required to wear masks.