Novak Djokovic Officially Withdraws From 2022 US Open

After much speculation, Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he will not be participating in this year’s US Open.

The 21-time Grand Slam winner took to Twitter to make the official announcement, “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!”

Djokovic is unable to play at the US Open due to New York’s latest COVID-19 vaccine restrictions, which states that non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. immigrants are required to “show proof of being fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted Covid-19 vaccine before you board your flight to the United States.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adds that “[o]nly limited exceptions apply.”

During his latest win at Wimbledon in July, Djokovic maintained that he has no plans to get vaccinated, “I’m not vaccinated and I’m not planning to get vaccinated so the only good news I can have is them removing the mandated green vaccine card or whatever you call it to enter United States or exemption.”

The US Open kicks off August 29.

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

Elsewhere in sports, Daniel Ricciardo is leaving McLaren after the 2022 season.