Novak Djokovic holds ‘no regret’ over getting banned by USA over non-vaccination stance

The former World No. 1 returns on the US soil after the infamous ban.

Novak Djokovic holds ‘no regret’ over getting banned by USA over non-vaccination stance

Novak Djokovic (Image via Hindustan times)

The 23-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic says he has “no regrets” about skipping the US Open in 2022 because of his anti-vaccination stance. He is adamant about not getting vaccinated, and he would rather skip competitions in certain countries than get vaccinated.

In his most recent press conference, he expressed his feelings regarding the COVID guidelines. The Serb also stated that he is happy to be back on US soil and that he would play this week in the Ohio, Cincinnati Open before traveling to Queens, New York, for the US Open later this month.

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Djokovic admitted, “The reason why I was not here for two years, I have zero regret on that, I’m just glad to be back.”

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He also mentioned that he had quite a successful experience while on US soil and that he is just happy to be here. “I’ve had plenty of success on American soil with Indian Wells, Miami, obviously Canada and here, won many times at these Masters 1,000 events, all of them,” Djokovic said. “Of course, the US Open as well being the pinnacle of the hard-court season — I’m just excited.” (H/T: CNN)

The current World No. 2 has been in the news regarding COVID vaccination ever since he was deported from Australia in 2022 for failing to comply with the nation’s vaccination standards after a 10-day dispute. Due to his anti-vaccination stance, he also missed the Grand Slam competition in New York City in 2022.

Read more – Ons Jabeur seeking Rafael Nadal’s inspiration to bounce back at the US Open after losing three Grand Slam finals in 1 year

Novak Djokovic returns to the US Open

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Image via CNN)

Last year at this time, the US had strict laws requiring COVID vaccinations for all foreign visitors. Recently, the government relaxed these rules, allowing Djokovic to easily compete in the US Open and have a chance to win his 24th Grand Slam championship and make history.

The Serb has been on a roller coaster ride for the past two years. He made the record for the most weeks as World No. 1, a record total of 389 weeks. He recently won his 23rd Grand Slam and surpassed Rafael Nadal. Although he fell short in the Wimbledon finals to Carlos Alcaraz.

It will be interesting to see if Djokovic can turn things around and win his 24th grand slam championship following a close call in Wimbledon.

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