Serbian tennis star, Novak Djokovic, will miss the 2022 US Open following his decision not to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
It is the second Grand Slam the 35-year-old Serb will miss due to not being vaccinated.
The Quest Times reports that Djokovic also missed out on the Australian Open earlier in the year in a high-profile showdown which saw the 35-year-old deported from the country.
Djokovic made the announcement in a tweet on his official Twitter handle (@DjokerNole).
He tweeted, “Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open,” said the three-time US Open champion.
Stacey Allaster, US Open Tournament Director, lamented his absence, stating that Djokovic will not feature at the Open due to the US’ COVID-19 vaccination policy for non-citizens.
“Novak is a great champion and it is very unfortunate that he will be unable to compete at the 2022 US Open, as he is unable to enter the country due to the federal government’s vaccination policy for non-US citizens,” she said in a statement.
“We look forward to welcoming Novak back at the 2023 US Open.”
In reaction to the news, retired US tennis star, John McEnroe, described the development as a joke.
“At this point in the pandemic, we’re two and a half years in, I think people in all parts of the world know more about it, and the idea that he can’t travel here to play, to me is a joke,” said McEnroe.