“I think it’s stupid they don’t let him to play,” John McEnroe reiterates his support for Novak Djokovic ahead of the US Open

John McEnroe and Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic‘s hopes of competing in the US Open are looking more and more slim as the tournament is just about to begin in a week’s time. The US Government is maintaining its vaccine mandates for non-US citizens which means the Serb’s participation in the last grand slam of the year is highly unlikely.

This season so far has not aligned with Djokovic’s aspirations. With him not playing in Melbourne due to his unvaccinated status and a distressing quarter-final loss to Rafael Nadal in Roland Garros, Djokovic did not have much to hold on to until Wimbledon. Djokovic managed to overtake Roger Federer in the grand slam race at the Wimbledon Championships defeating Nick Kyrgios in four sets to claim the title. Djokovic stands second in the grand slam race with 21 titles, only one behind his biggest rival Nadal.

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I consider it a joke: John McEnroe on Vaccine Guidelines keeping Novak Djokovic out

John McEnroe believes Djokovic should be allowed to compete in the US Open, claiming that him not being allowed play is a joke. He said, “I think it’s stupid they don’t let him to play. No, I don’t think it’s fair. I think it’s a joke.” The seven-time grand slam champion further said, “I would have had the vaccine and gone and played but he’s got very strong beliefs and you have to respect that.”

McEnroe added, “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.”

Recently, The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made changes to the vaccine guidelines but people are still waiting to hear a decision on unvaccinated non-US citizens. Due to vaccine mandates, Djokovic had to pull out from Indian Wells Masters and Miami along with the Canadian Open.

At this point, It is not looking good for Djokovic who is aiming to match Rafael Nadal in number of grand slams but only time will tell the conditions the Serb has to further go through to in the future to participate in the grand slams.

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