After a Protracted Vaccine Saga, World No.1 Novak Djokovic Finally Set to Make Much Awaited US Return

Despite being one of the most high-profile players in the tennis community, Novak Djokovic has often been embroiled in a series of controversies due to his unvaccinated status. The Serbian tennis legend has remained rigid about his stance on the COVID vaccine. Due to the same, the 22-time singles Grand Slam champion was previously denied entry to various events in the United States including the U.S. Open, Indian Wells Masters, and the Miami Open. Now, with the vaccine mandate in the US set to end, the 35-year-old can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Novak Djokovic is all set to compete in tournaments in the US once again

The previous season’s Grand Slam event in New York saw some of the best players in the men’s circuit competing for the major title. However, Novak Djokovic was not there to grace the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, as he was denied entry into the country due to their vaccination mandate for foreign travelers.

The current world No. 1 player also tried to get a special permit from the U.S. authorities, however, he was denied of the same. Now, after the lengthy drama surrounding his vaccination stance, the 22 singles Grand Slam champion will finally be able to participate in this season’s US Open. It came to light after a recent announcement was made by the authorities regarding their vaccination rules and regulations.

According to a report from Reuters, the US government declared that starting on May 12, COVID-19 vaccination requirements for visitors from other countries will no longer be required. This means unvaccinated players like Djokovic will now be able to compete at various tournaments in the country.

Djokovic was previously denied entry to another major event

In the previous season, the tennis community got to witness only a few glimpses of the Serb during the Grand Slam tournaments. Apart from the Wimbledon Championships, Djokovic only got to compete in the French Open as he was not allowed to participate in the other two major events of the season.

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Even during the Australian Open, the Serb was in hot water as he faced deportation from the country given his refusal to take the jab. However, in another dramatic turn of events, the Australian authorities decided to lift their ban in 2023, and Djokovic ended up winning the tournament in Melbourne Park.

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What do you think of the US government’s decision to lift its ban on unvaccinated foreigners? Do you think Djokovic is now the favorite to lift the US Open trophy?