Novak Djokovic at the US Open 2023 is big news for the tennis fraternity

Updation in the vaccination policy of the USA will see Novak Djokovic be once again be eligible to enter the USA and being confirmed for the 2023 US Open.


Novak Djokovic at the US Open 2023 is big news for the tennis fraternity

Novak Djokovic - IMAGO / AAP

It seems, 2023 will be the year of Novak Djokovic in many ways. News of the United States of America lifting the national public health emergency on May 11 this year comes as great news. Ever since the Covid 19 pandemic broke out three years, there were travel restrictions in all countries. Some, in Europe, were quick off the blocks, in removing the restrictions, too.

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However, the USA was dead sure that anyone from overseas wanting to enter their country needed to have taken the vaccine shots as recognized by certain government agencies. In 2022, Novak missed the US Open in New York as he had refused to take the vaccine jabs.

The situation continues to remain the same as the Serbian superstar still does not want to get vaccinated. He dislikes allowing anything foreign to enter his body. Even though he may be missing a couple of big events in the USA in the Indian Wells Masters in March and the Miami event, shortly later, Novak looks set to make it to the US Open in September from August 28 to September 10.

In fact, even last year, many fans had written to the Federal authorities in the USA that an exemption be granted to Novak. It fell on deaf ears even though there are many still inside the USA who have not yet taken the jabs.

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Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic

It is even rumored Serena Williams did not take the vaccines. Being an American, none could force her. Serena first played at The Championships in Wimbledon 2022,. She however bombed at the box office as a wild card due to zero preparations. The American diva had a great farewell in New York, where she had grabbed the spotlight. This year has seen Novak rise like the proverbial phoenix.

His performance at the Australian Open, where he won his 10th title in Melbourne and equaled the record of 22 Grand Slam titles standing in the name of Rafael Nadal has set the tennis world ablaze. Left to Novak fans, they would like to see him win all three remaining Grand Slams this year!

However, the way he battled on, bore the brunt of the pain barrier caused by the hamstring tear, has made him a hero. None other than his coach Goran Ivanisevic has spoken on how Novak conquered pain and the demons. He revealed how the MRI scan report was scary and any other player would have pulled out. Not only did the Serbian battle pain, sarcasm from skeptics, and more rants, he went on to whack Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas.

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It has led many to believe Novak is indefatigable. That would be cruel to him as he has shown a human and humane touch, shedding copious tears when he hugged his Mom after the triumph in AO. It revealed a new Novak, a human, not a robot, who had emotions. The emotions are bound to carry him further in the 2023 season is the estimate.

Novak has himself spoken of doing well at each big event in his career at this stage as a bonus. He has mentioned how important it is to win at this stage when he is 35 plus. His fitness is peak and his tennis even more ruthless, as opponents realized at the AO, specifically Tsitsipas. To be sure, missing a few events in the USA in March may be upsetting but Novak is in no hurry.

People are talking of the French Open witnessing the return of Nadal. That would again be presumptuous. Yes, at Wimbledon and the faster, higher bounce US Open courts, Novak will be a big threat, a hopeful, a strong contender. People are willing him to win more Grand Slam titles. A word of caution, treat Novak as a human being.

He has a shelf life, so to say, and the desire to excel. Finding the motivation to come out strong is his forte. Will the US Open 2023 rock in the outdoor hard-court season? Why not, Novak will be back, in all likelihood. Like any other Grand Slam host, the USTA also has a lot riding on Novak.

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