The year 2022 has been a terrible nightmare for the Novak Djokovic, whose problems just do not seem to end. The Serb was banned from participating in the Australian Open. Moreover, he was deported from the country following his stand against COVID vaccination. The former world no. 1 also missed a couple of tournaments in the US before the vaccination restrictions were lifted in European countries. Djokovic did not have the best start to the clay season. However, the 35-year-old managed to win the Italian Open in Rome before heading to Paris to defend his Roland Garros title. Sadly, the Serb was beaten by Rafael Nadal in the French Open quarterfinals. The big loss cost Nole his world no. 1 spot, and the troubles do not seem to end here.
Djokovic faces the threat of falling out of the ATP top 10 due to no ranking points in Wimbledon. In addition, Novak has been banned from the US Open to his stand against COVID vaccination. He has been banned from this year’s US Open due to his vaccination status. The American government has no plans to relax its immigration rules. Thus, it is mandatory for incoming travelers to be vaccinated. So, Novak will not appear in the fourth Major tournament of the year later this year.
Meanwhile, the US Open has allowed Russian and Belarusian players to participate in the tournament after Wimbledon banned their appearance as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The ATP and WTA condemned Wimbledon’s decision to ban the players and stripped the tournament of ranking points. So, the US Open decided not to ban the players from Russia and Belarus. However, they allowed the players to compete under a neutral flag.
USTA Sees US Open Platform To Extend The Tennis Plays For Peace Program
Lately, the ITF, ATP, and WTA have criticized Wimbledon’s decision to ban players on the basis of their nationality. The tennis bodies clarified that they condemned the Russian war and banned both countries from international team competitions. The ATP also issued a directive, allowing Russian and Belarusian players to compete under a neutral flag in other tournaments.
Moreover, the USTA stated that it would work with players and both tours. They will use the US Open platform to further their humanitarian efforts pf the Tennis Plays for Peace program. The sporting body will also introduce initiatives to help players affected by the war in Ukraine.
USTA president Mike McNulty stated that the need for help in Ukraine continues. The tennis association has promised to respond soon. The USTA has a broad set of programs planned to provide financial assistance and humanitarian relief for the Ukrainian people. Elsewhere, Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Aryna Sabalenka, and Victoria Azarenka will be able to participate at the US Open.