Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis star, faced a serious and consistent obstacle throughout this season. That is his inability to participate in events due to the COVID-19 vaccination rule. Though many believe that Djokovic’s stand on vaccination is causing him troubles, others like Tennys Sandgren blame the organizers for his absence.

The Serb missed the chance to defend his title in the Australian Open and almost the entire hard court season. The 21-time Grand Slam champion is now going to sit out of the US Open as well.

Sandgren backs Novak Djokovic

In an interview with Tennis Majors, Sandgren spoke about the matter and how helpless the system has made Djokovic. “We didn’t really try. They didn’t try to get an exemption for Novak. For the past two years, they’ve done everything they could to make the tournament happen.”

Thereafter, the American added, “The organisers were in constant contact with the State of New York and the health authorities to make sure the tournament went ahead. But now, for Novak, their speech is ‘We have to apply what the government tells us, we can’t do anything’.”

“In my opinion, we should give a d*mn.” The entire tennis fraternity is divided on the matter. In fact, the veterans also don’t share similar standing. While Martina Navratilova thinks it’s appropriate to keep an unvaccinated player out, John McEnroe believes authorities are being so strict just because a big name is in the debate.

Read more: ‘It’s Forbidden…’ – Novak Djokovic Intends to Defend Individual Freedom as US Open Future Hangs in the Balance

Speaking of the Serb, he withdrew from the tournament after going through a rollercoaster ride of hope and despair. Now Djokovic will look forward to the Australian Open as the organizers are willing to lift the three-year ban and welcome their nine-time champion next year.

Djokovic in the Grand Slams

The former World No.1 has taken part in only two Grand Slam tournaments this year. He, after keeping out of the circuit for months, tried to defend his title in the French Open. But due to the lack of touch, he lost his semifinals seat to the eventual champion Rafael Nadal.

Watch this story: Novak Djokovic turns into spider-man as he hits the shot of the tournament during his victory over Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon Championships

Thereafter, the 35-year-old jumped on the grass courts of Wimbledon and claimed his fourth consecutive title. This time, unlike the Grand Slam of clay, the Serbian tennis ace successfully defended his title by taking down the Australian Nick Kyrgios in the finals.