Novak Djokovic FINALLY cleared to play the US Open as Biden government makes an important COVID policy change

Novak Djokovic will play at the US Open after being absent for one year.

Novak Djokovic FINALLY cleared to play the US Open as Biden government makes an important COVID policy change

Image Credit: The Telegraph

A big relief for Novak Djokovic and his fans as the US government gives an official confirmation that it will end COVID Vaccination requirements for foreign travelers. World no. 1 Novak Djokovic was not able to participate in the US Open in 2022 due to his anti-vaccination stance. USA had strict COVID Vaccination rules for foreign travelers implemented in 2022, which is why he was banned from traveling to the USA up until the 2023 hard court season. He was denied entry to the US for the Sunshine doubles tournaments too.

Novak Djokovic had a tough couple of years when he was denied entry to both USA and Australia due to his anti-vax status. He missed out on both the Grand Slams in the year 2022, as the countries had strict restrictions. However, in 2023, he was allowed into Australia and he eventually won the 2023 Australian Open. One could see how much the championship meant to him, as he was denied participation in the previous year. The last time he won the US Open title was back in 2018.

YouTube video

In 2020, Novak Djokovic could not proceed beyond the fourth round in the US Open as he got disqualified. He hit a ball at the backboard in frustration and it hit a lines judge in the throat. Though Djokovic immediately apologized, he was sent back packing.

FS Video

Keep Exploring: Serena Williams does a Rihanna-like pregnancy reveal by announcing she’s expecting her second child at the Met Gala

Novak Djokovic’s vaccination exemption fiasco

Novak Djokovic's vaccination exemption fiasco
Image credit: Scroll.in

Novak Djokovic exempted himself from taking the COVID vaccines. So this meant he needed to apply for an exemption to travel to any country with vaccination restrictions. Despite his epic status in the Australian Open, Djokovic was denied entry to Australia in a brutal fashion. He had arrived in Melbourne but his Visa was denied upon arrival. He was subjected to police interrogation. Djokovic was forced to stay for a few days in a quarantine hotel near the Melbourne airport.

Ahead of the Miami Open and at the Indian Wells, Djokovic had submitted an exemption request again. But he was denied participation in both tournaments subsequently. The rejection of entry has made an impact on the Serb’s hard court season and he has suffered the loss of ATP points as he couldn’t even participate. Now that he will be back on American soil, it will be exciting to see him on a hard court and 5 set formats. The world is waiting to see how the new generation will fare against the Serb in a 5 setter.

In case you missed it: