World No.3 Novak Djokovic has hit out at the apparent double standards in the United States that will likely prevent him playing at the US Open in August.
Under current rules, unvaccinated travellers are unable to enter the country, meaning the Serbian won’t be able to play the American hardcourt season, but unvaccinated American citizens will be able to compete.
The 35-year-old is a three-time US Open champion.
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Djokovic was deported from Melbourne earlier this year, meaning he faces the prospect of missing two of the year’s four grand slam tournaments. It’s also unclear what government restrictions, if any, will be in place for the Australian Open in January, 2023, and if the new government will overturn the three-year cancellation of his visa.
“No unvaccinated people can enter the USA as of this moment,” said Djokovic. “I did hear unofficially that some people got away with it, some people who are not ‘famous’, but I would never even try to go to the USA if it is not allowed.
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“Some people think that I made that mistake in Australia, but it was the contrary in fact – I had the exemption etc, let’s not go over the same story again.
“Bottom line is: if I am told that I cannot go, I won’t go, I would never put myself in such a position. Even if I get in, they would see me on TV playing tennis and pick me up!”
https://twitter.com/TennysSandgren/status/1537498249715716096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The 20-time grand slam champion thanked unvaccinated American Tennys Sandgren, who called the decision by the United States Tennis Association not to seek an exemption for Djokovic “shameful.”
“On a more serious note, I have been texting with Tennys Sandgren a few days ago,” explained Djokovic.
“I wanted to thank him for the public support he has given me in this situation. What he said makes total sense – if unvaccinated players are not allowed to compete at the US Open, then it should be the case for everyone.
“I don’t see the medical logic behind it, that Tennys can play because he is a citizen of the USA, and I cannot. If I had a US passport or a green card, I would be able to play. Maybe there is a political logic behind it – not medical – but I would rather not get into that and you can understand why.”
On-court, the three-time defending champion moved through to the third round at Wimbledon with ease, downing Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-1, 6-4, 6-2. After the match, Djokovic dismissed claims he holds a grudge against Australian players after what happened in Melbourne in January.
“My intensity was basically like any other match really,” Djokovic said.
“I just tried to execute the tactics and game plan and do what I can to win the match. I did not have any extra intensity or desire to win this match just because Thanasi is Australian.
“In contrary, I really have a good relationship with Thanasi. He’s a great guy. We get along off the court very well.”
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