Picture Credit: Twitter

Picture Credit: Twitter

21-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic is all set to miss his second Grand Slam of the year as the Serbian’s participation in the US Open is now almost impossible. The United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated the vaccine mandate for non-US citizens, making it compulsory to take the COVID-19 vaccination to enter the country. This means Djokovic won’t be able to enter the US. 

The 35-year-old missed the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open, due to the same reason. In fact, Djokovic had to fight a case against the Australian government. He was eventually sent back after it was found out that he is unvaccinated. The Serbian has since then clearly stated that he won’t inject any kind of drug into his body even if it means him missing all four Grand Slams. 

However, he got a chance to play in the French Open and then Wimbledon, which he also won. But Djokovic won’t be able to feature in the last major of the year as the US CDC has clearly stated that non-US citizens must present proof of being fully vaccinated. 

“Non-US citizen, non-US immigrants: You must show proof of being fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted Covid-19 vaccine before you board your flight to the United States. Only limited exceptions apply,” read the statement on the CDC website.

Djokovic confirms 

While the US CDC cleared its stance, Novak Djokovic also confirmed that he won't be traveling to the US to take part in the last Grand Slam of the year. " Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open," tweeted Djokovic. 

As the 35-year-old will not take part in the US Open, he will next be seen in action at the Laver Cup 2022 where he will represent Team Europe.