Novak Djokovic Excluded From The 2022 US Open Posters & Billboards Amid Vaccination Ban Scares!

Novak Djokovic has faced one of the most difficult challenges this season. Nole was all set to retain his title at the Australian Open in January. However, he missed out on the tournament due to the vaccination ban and was deported from the country. He missed out on several masters tournaments, including the Indiana Wells and Miami Open in the US. The Serb continued to play tournaments with no vaccination restriction.

Djokovic won the Madrid Open, lost the French Open, and defended his title at Wimbledon to reach 21 Grand Slams. Nole hoped that the vaccination restrictions would ease up as the tournament approached. However, the news has been disappointing for the former world no. 1 so far. Although the 35-year-old has been positive and actively preparing for the tournament while he awaits an official decision.

US Open New Billboard Not Featuring Djokovic

Nole continues to stay strong on his stand against vaccination and hopes that the organizers will consider his inclusion in the New York tournament. However, another move from the organizers has recently suggested that Djokovic might not be allowed the play the US Open 2022 after all. The US Open management introduced a new billboard featuring Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Nick Kyrgios, Swaitek, Serena Wiliams, and Naomi Osaka. However, Djokovic was not included in the picture, leading to speculation that the Serb would most likely miss out on the tournament.

Djokovic has won the Grand Slam thrice at the US Open. He came very close to winning his fourth and a Calendar Slam last year. Nole would have become the second player after Andre Agassi to win a Calendar Slam. However, the 35-year-old lost in the tournament and could not repeat the feat that Agassi achieved in 1999.

Will Djokovic Get To Appear At The US Open 2022?

Things have not improved for Djokovic in recent times. He has already missed the Canadian tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati due to the vaccination restrictions. On Sunday, the US Open organizers issued a statement informing foreign fans that a COVID vaccination is mandatory to travel into the country for the tournament. However, the decision-making body is yet to give a verdict on the player restrictions. Thus, Djokovic is not completely ruled out for the tournament yet. 

The statement suggested that the COVID health and safety protocols for the players were still being evaluated. They are supposed to be made public at a later date after discussing the matter with the US, New York State, and New York City governmental and health authorities. Hopefully, the decision comes in Nole\’s favor. A lot of the fans around the world, including influential personalities, have spoken in favor of Djokovic and urged the US government to allow the Serb to participate at the US Open this year.