Novak Djokovic still has a shred of hope he will be allowed to play in the US Open this year. The Serbian has not been vaccinated against Covid-19 and currently non US citizens are not permitted to enter the country if they are un-jabbed.
He was already prevented from participating in the Australian Open earlier this year due to his anti-vaccine stance and is in danger of missing out on the final major of the year. But, like great champions do, in the unlikely scenario the decision is reversed, the former world number one has been getting some practice sessions in.
“I am preparing as if I will be allowed to compete, while I await to hear if there is any room for me to travel to the US,” Djokovic wrote. “Fingers crossed!” He posted a video to his Instagram shirtless while donning a red hat as he was put through his paces in the sunshine.
In the same message he also took time to thank his fans for their support to try and convince the US government to let him play at Flushing Meadows. “I just wanted to take a moment and say to all of you how grateful I am to see so many messages of support and love from all around the world these days,” he added. "I wasn’t expecting it, and that’s why it feels so mindblowing. Just wanted to say THANK YOU.
“It feels special that people connect with my tennis career in such a loving and supportive way and wish for me to continue to compete.” As well as the 35-year-old's legion of loyal supporters, the likes of John McEnroe have pleaded with the US to allow Djokovic into the country.
“These politicians are getting in the way too much," the four-time US Open champion said following the Wimbledon final last month. They did it in Australia. Let’s let the guy come in and play in the U.S. I mean come on. This is ridiculous. But I don’t make those decisions. I hope someone makes the right one and allows him to play. That’s my personal opinion.
"You can agree to be tested. I don’t know. There’s gotta be a way around this, but we’ll wait and see. That’s not what it’s about right now.” After winning Wimbledon for the seventh time in July, Djokovic captured his 21st grand slam title and moved just one behind Rafael Nadal in this epic grand slam race.
The tennis legend's desire to finish his career with the most number of titles burns bright, but he is not prepared to get the vaccine to bolster his chances of doing so. "As of today, I am not allowed to enter the states under these circumstances," the Serbian tennis star said, via Eurosport before Wimbledon.
"I am aware of that and that is an extra motivation to do well here, and hopefully I can have a very good tournament as I have done in the last three editions. Then I will just have to wait and see. I would love to go to the states. But, as of today, that is not possible. There is not much I can do anymore. It is up to the US government to make a decision whether or not they allow the unvaccinated people to go into the country."
